The accusations come after Belyanchikov, editor of the newspaper TVR Panorama, published a social media correspondence between his readers. The correspondence included critical remarks on Russian conduct in the area, Novaya Gazeta reports. The publication was made with the concent of the participants and the harshest statements were removed. Still, the article quickly got the attention from the prosecutor’s office.
Belyanchikov’s publication could fuel inter-ethnic tensions between Russian and Ukrainians and can be seen as extremism, the prosecutors argue. In a letter, they warn the editor that the participants in the debate could face legal action unless demands are met.
The TVR Panorama has now removed the disputed correspondence from the newspaper pages. At the same time, however, Belyanchikov has appealed to a local court for support. He intends to prove that the newspaper has conducted no extremist acts and that the accusations from the prosecutors must be revoked, Novaya Gazeta writes.
The pressure against the local newspaper comes just few days before a planned visit of President Vladimir Putin to the Republic of Karelia.
