Forced subscription to state press continues

The editorial office of Novy Chas newspaper has received a letter with the request to subscribe for 14 state-run newspapers.

This letter, signed by deputy head of the administration of Pershamaiski district of Minsk Vera Bohdan, is sent to directors of enterprises, agencies and organizations. In its beginning gratitude is expressed for increased volumes of departmental subscription in the second part of 2008, which ‘contributed to quicker informing of citizens of the district and labor collectives and organizations about activities of executive authorities’.

Then Bohdan asks heads of organizations of all form of ownership (who are made in charge of carrying out subscription), and among others – organizations tenants, not only to subscribe for 2009, but to keep one blank of subscription receipt, Novy Chas writes.

According to the letter, departmental subscription is to be drawn up for 14 newspapers exclusively state-run newspapers. The first one in the list is Sovetskaya Belorussiya, Planeta and Ekonomika Belarusi are also on the list.

Besides, the administration of Pershamaiski district of Minsk plans to hold explanatory conversations in labor collectives about individual subscription. After subscription campaign receipts are to be sent to ideology department of regional executive committee.

As we have informed, Novy Chas, as well as a number other independent newspapers, has been deprived of the opportunity to be sold via retail network of Sayuzdruk and Belposhta subscription for several years already.