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Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian TV channels broadcasting violation of human rights

Deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee for Property says the ban on Russian channels in Ukraine is inadmissible in terms of juridical norms, legislation and citizens’ constitutional rights

MOSCOW, March 12. /ITAR-TASS/. The State Duma, lower house of Russia’s parliament, considers Ukraine’s decision to stop broadcasting of Russian television channels violations of human rights.

“Ukraine has banned broadcasting of television channels that express another point of view,” deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee for Property Vladimir Afonsky (United Russia) told Itar-Tass.

“This is inadmissible in terms of juridical norms, legislation and citizens’ constitutional rights,” the lawmaker said.

Other rights of citizens are being violated in Ukraine, he said, adding, “I have many friends and relatives, who are afraid for their property. People are afraid for housing, children and the future.”

Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Information Policy, Information Technology and Communication Alexei Mitrofanov said Ukraine’s decision violated international agreements and infringed upon citizens’ constitutional rights.

“Millions of people watch Russian television channels. The constitutional right to information is being violated. We will react to it,” Mitrofanov said.

The Ukrainian National Television and Radio Broadcasting Company made providers stop broadcasting of Russian television channels Rossiya24, Channel One, RTR Planeta and NTV-Mir from 9 p.m. Moscow time (GMT+4) on March 11.

Such decision has been taken due to the need to ensure information security in compliance with a resolution by the National Security and Defense Council of March 1, 2014.