(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed its concern following the suspension of “Kurir”, a Budapest daily. According to RSF’s information, on 7 October 1998, the Minister of Culture banned publication of “Kurir”, explaining that the newspaper was illegally published. Earlier, on 30 September, the daily had been forced to suspend publication after its owner, Postabank, abruptly […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed its concern following the suspension of
“Kurir”, a Budapest daily. According to RSF’s information, on 7 October
1998, the Minister of Culture banned publication of “Kurir”, explaining that
the newspaper was illegally published. Earlier, on 30 September, the daily
had been forced to suspend publication after its owner, Postabank, abruptly
ceased financing the newspaper. Following this decision, the daily was able
to continue publishing a smaller edition for several days, with the
assistance of grants from concerned individuals. Today the daily is only
available on the Internet.
RSF is questioning the real motive behind the ban on “Kurir”. Postabank, a
government controlled bank, also owns five other publications which continue
to be published regularly. They are deemed “loyal” to the new government of
Prime Minister Viktor Orban. On the other hand, “Kurir”, as well as the
independent weekly “Magyar Narancs”, known for their criticism of the
government, have suddenly lost their financing.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President:
to publish openly
Appeals To
Mr. Göncz Arpad
President of Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
Fax : +361 268 48 63
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
