“Nasha Niva” forbidden for newsstand distribution in Belarus

• 9.07.2010, 9:07

The newspaper published an article titled “Godbatka Surrenders”.

“Nasha Niva”, an independent Belarusian-language paper, has faced some problems with the distribution of its last issue through Belsoyuzpechat distribution network, BelaPAN reports referring to information on the paper’s website.

The newspaper usually goes on sale on Wednesday afternoon in Minsk and Thursday morning in regions. The newspaper didn’t appear in newsstands, though it was printed on time, at 8 am, and delivered to subscribers.

The newspaper’s representative was told in Belsoyuzbechat that the paper arrived at the wholesale stores and was recorded in the network. “NN” staff visited newsstands in different parts of Minsk and didn’t find the paper on sale. A newsstand seller told there was in formation from her chief that the issue wouldn’t get out.

The same situation could be seen in Hrodna, Homel, Brest, Lida, Salihorsk, Barysau, and Belaazyorsk. Only one newsstand in Mahilou sold the newspaper.

The “NN” staff thinks this was caused by the front-page article “Godbatka Surrenders” telling about the NTV film “Godbatka” about Alyaksandr Lukashenka that was shown in Russia but blocked in Belarus.