The Ministry of Information in Belarus has excluded Euronews from the country.
In a statement, it says that the validity of the previous distribution permit for the channel has expired. It adds that at the same time the Russian channel Pobeda (‘Victory’) will start broadcasting in Belarus. The channel offers classics of Soviet cinema, Russian films and TV series about the Great Patriotic War (Second World War).
Meanwhile, quoting a ministry spokesman speaking to Rai Novosti, Euronews says that the action was taken because the channel was broadcasting adverts in English instead of translating them into Russian or Belarusian.
Commenting on the ban, Euronews goes on in a statement to say: “We deeply regret the decision which has been taken to suspend, as of today, the broadcasting of Euronews in Belarus. We have not been notified of this decision nor of the reasons for it and learned of it this morning through the press.
“Euronews is proud to be recognised, around the world, as an independent media outlet providing scrupulously factual and impartial news in Russian as well as in all its other language editions. For almost three decades, our mission has been to empower people to form their own opinions by offering a diversity of viewpoints.
“Euronews values freedom of the press and will do its utmost to ensure that its audiences in Belarus can very soon again have access, on television, to its hallmark impartial and quality journalism.
“In the meantime, these audiences will be able to continue following us on our digital platforms”.
