Armenia suspends broadcasting of Russian radio Sputnik
- 21 December, 06:39
Armenia has temporarily suspended Russian broadcaster Sputnik's local branch over “offensive” comments.
Armenian Commission on Television and Radio Broadcasting that was behind the decision, said it recorded violations in 5 programs in Sputnik Armenia. Furthermore, the state regulator highlighted the specific program “Friday with Tigran Keosayan”, in which the presenter insulted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian people and made calls to violence. The regulator complained that the "political commentator, presenter and citizen of another country" did not have the “moral right” to make those remarks.
The ban was introduced 30 days after the remarks by the pro-Kremlin propagandist Keosayan were made in November and came into force on December 25.
The Russian Embassy in Armenia denounced the decision, saying the measure was being taken to push Armenia further from Russia.
"This step cannot but look like a concession to those who are increasingly vociferous in favor of severing the long-standing, mutually beneficial and respectful allied relations between Russia and Armenia," the embassy said in a statement.
The state-run Russian-media outlet was earlier banned by the UK, Canada and the European Union after Russia launched a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine last February. Operating in several countries, Sputnik has been accused of spreading Kremlin’s propaganda and disinformation.
The diplomatic ties between Russia and its traditional ally Armenia have been locked in a downward spiral since Armenia’s defeat to its rival Azerbaijan in the war waged over Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2020. Yerevan has accused the Kremlin of failing to defend its South Caucasus ally.
