Moscow, 18 July 2002 (RFE/RL) -- A Moscow court has ordered a newspaper closed for fomenting ethnic conflict because of articles allegedly aimed against Jews and people from the Caucasus. The Media Ministry said that the "Russkie vedomosti" newspaper violated a Russian law prohibiting publications that foment ethnic conflict. A ministry spokesman today said a Moscow district court ruled in favor of the ministry's suit against the paper and closed it.
It was the first time a court had closed a publication under that law. The newspaper has 10 days to appeal the verdict.
"Russkie vedomosti," which started publication in 1990, was published once a quarter and had a circulation of 10,000.
It was the first time a court had closed a publication under that law. The newspaper has 10 days to appeal the verdict.
"Russkie vedomosti," which started publication in 1990, was published once a quarter and had a circulation of 10,000.