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The decision of Radio Liberty to start broadcasting in Chechen
is "not very tactful towards Russia, considering the present
relationships between Russia and the USA, as well as the acute
situation in the Northern Caucasus." This opinion was expressed
by the leader of the YABLOKO faction in the State Duma of the
RF Grigory Yavlinsky in an interview with the Ekho Moskvi radio
station.
"Such tactless behaviour has become a typical trait of American
politicians recently," added Yavlinsky.
At the same time Yavlinsky did not support the proposal to revoke
the broadcasting licence of Radio Liberty in the RF. "We
have (at least this is stated in our laws) freedom of speech,
i.e. we can not adopt a prohibitive decision here. Moreover there
is freedom of speech in all languages," noted Yavlinsky.
According to Yavlinsky, if the content of the Radio Liberty programmes
in Chechnian language does not violate Russian laws, "there
are no special grounds for persecution." If the content of
such programmes violates Russian laws, then "the issue should
be decided in court," thinks Yavlinsky.
See also:
Freedom of Speech and Media
Law in Russia
Associated Press. Russia denounces Radio Liberty's first
broadcasts to North Caucasus. April 4, 2002.
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