Zhanna Litvina: “Such steps cross out all the declared good intentions”

• 26.02.2009, 14:29

"The decision taken today by a court in Brest can be compared in its odiousness with the notorious events of 27 March 2008, when KGB officers conducted searches in journalists" flats all around the country.

Now KGB takes upon itself the censorship functions. This is a serious infringement of the freedom of expression and the hallmark of disrespect to the right of citizens to receive information," the Chairperson of BAJ Zhanna Litvina commented about the ARCHE magazine "extremism case".

25 February the Maskouski City District Court of Brest declared ARCHE. Pachatak magazine No. 7-8 (2008) contained a range of "extremist materials, liable to destruction". Thus, the court satisfied a claim, submitted by the KGB Department for Brest region some time ago.

"The decision has been made without expertise, and the court session itself was closed. I regard this as a sign of attempts to hide the essence of the case from society," Zhanna Litvina said.

"I have an impression that there are forces inside the country that act to block the dialogue process, to oppress the first signs of mutual understanding in our society. Such steps cross out all the declared good intentions. This is an attempt to jeopardize the dialogue within our society," the BAJ Chairperson admits.