Moscow denounces Latvian ban on Russian news agency
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moscow denounces Latvian ban on Russian news agency, 30 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d03d1c.html [accessed 16 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 30, 2015
Russia says Latvia's refusal to allow a Russian state news agency to open a bureau in the Latvian capital, Riga, is a case of discrimination.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on August 29 that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should investigate Latvia's denial to Rossia Segodnya to open an office.
The statement said Latvia said it would not give approval for the bureau to Rossia Segodnya because the agency's content is contrary to the Latvian Constitution.
Rossia Segodnya is an umbrella organization for the RIA Novosti and Sputnik news operations, which are led by Kremlin insider Dmitry Kiselyov, a top Russian critic of Western countries.
Latvia, a former Soviet republic that is now an EU member, has a large Russian-speaking minority.
It banned Russian state television broadcasts for several months in 2014.
Based on reporting by AP and RIA Novosti
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
