An action in support of the NTV television company was launched in Barnaul and Biysk (Altai Territory, Siberia) on March 2.

According to information from the head-quarters of the Yabloko branch in Altai Territory, the action "Let us Protect NTV", declared by the Central Council of the party will be held throughout Russia under the slogan "NTV is our Right to Information".

A picket and collection of signatures in support of NTV will be organised in Barnaul.

Yabloko's press release, disseminated in Barnaul on Friday, states, in particular, that the Yabloko Association regards the actions of the authorities against NTV and other mass media within the Media-Most holding as persecution for political reasons.

According to the press release, if NTV is placed under full state control, Russia "will find itself thrown back into the era of a state television monopoly," note the organisers of this action. "This may become a prologue for a total onslaught on the freedom of the mass media."

Based on Interfax reports.

See also:

On the situation surrounding NTV, Central Council of the Yabloko Association Resolution, February 18, 2001