Banning Russian TV channel “Rain”, the Ukrainians are deprived of access to independent coverage of events in Russia, restricting the choice of points of view. This opinion was expressed by the Vice-President of the Freedom House international programs Robert Herman, the press service of the organization.
In his opinion, the prohibition to broadcast TV channel in Ukraine is censorship, which undermines press freedom in the country.
“The prohibition of power to the broadcast of the TV channel “Rain” – censorship, restricting the access of Ukrainians to the variety of points of view,” said Herman.
He noted that in connection with the Russian aggression, it is important that “Ukrainians had access to independent coverage of events in Russia.”
Recall, January 12, the national Council for television and radio broadcasting Council ordered Ukrainian providers to stop relaying Russian TV channel “Rain” because of the channel-recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as translation of the Russian advertising.
In turn, the General Director of TV channel “Rain” Natalia Sindeeva deplores the decision of the national Council on television and radio broadcasting, banning broadcast. She said: the channel is guided by the Russian legislation, when the map image of Russia.
The Russian foreign Ministry reacted to the ban of broadcasting of the TV channel in Ukraine. According to the representative of the Ministry Maria Zakharova, Moscow hopes that “the Rain will not shut off in Ukraine, but otherwise, will immediately inform the OSCE.
As reported, in December 2014, the national Council recognized the Russian TV channel “Rain” with the relevant requirements of the European Convention on transfrontier television and the current legislation of Ukraine.
The national Council for television and radio broadcasting due to violation of the Ukrainian legislation in the spheres of national security and promotional activities currently banned the broadcast of about thirty-five Russian TV channels.
