(CJES/IFEX) – The crew of NSN-Balashov, an independent television station covering the Saratov region, were expelled from the Assembly of Deputies of the Balashov District on 1 December 2006. The journalists were accused of discrediting the work of the deputies and regional administration. NSN-Balashov editor Elena Sherbakova told CJES their staff were not only prevented […]
(CJES/IFEX) – The crew of NSN-Balashov, an independent television station covering the Saratov region, were expelled from the Assembly of Deputies of the Balashov District on 1 December 2006.
The journalists were accused of discrediting the work of the deputies and regional administration. NSN-Balashov editor Elena Sherbakova told CJES their staff were not only prevented from covering the meeting and the deputies’ activities, but also from participating in any action organized by the local authorities.
“This matter was even put to a vote. And the decision was almost unanimous,” Sherbakova told CJES.
The NSN-Balashov editor attributed the Assembly’s attitude toward the television company to a number of its reports in the past on some deputies who are now holding supervisory posts. The television station had also broadcast critical reports on the activities of local authorities.
“On 8 October, our station was raided by two unknown masked persons. They stormed into the building at night and damaged some of our office and film-making equipment. The day before that, an anonymous caller on the telephone threatened our company. We regarded the incident as an attempt to intimidate our staff and have referred the matter to law enforcement bodies, but there are still no results,” said Sherbakova.
Sherbakova also said that on 7 December, she had submitted to the regional Office of the Public Prosecutor a complaint that the station’s professional work was being obstructed by the Assembly of Deputies of the Balashov municipal region, and personally by the Assembly deputy Victor Shalatov. The broadcasting company also asked that the decision of the Assembly be annulled.
