The Latvian regulator NEPLP has initiated procedures to restrict the reception of the Russian channel Rossiya RTR.
In a statement, it says this is due to a programme named 60 minutes broadcast on July 20 which it deems to have contained hate speech aimed at Ukraine and the country’s former president Petro Poroshenko. This was in violation of Latvia’s Electronic Media Law (EPLL) and NEPLP will now inform the channel operator, EU member state under whose jurisdiction the operator is registered (Sweden) and the European Commission.
If at least one more violation is found during the year then NEPLP will be entitled to temporarily restrict the distribution of Rossiya RTR in Latvia.
In his comments on the violation, NEPLP president Ivars Abolins said: “This type of action is not acceptable in the territory of Latvia and this is a clear signal to both Rossija RTR and other programs that may want to break the law”.
