Independent Belarusian Newspaper Facing Closure

Protesters hold a demonstration in support of freedom of the media in Minsk's central square in 2004 (file photo) (Bymedia.net)

April 18, 2006 -- The independent Belarusian newspaper "Nasha Niva" says it is threatened with closure after Minsk city authorities warned that its presence in the capital is "not appropriate."

"Nasha Niva," which first appeared in 1906, is one of Belarus' oldest newspapers.

Its editor in chief spent 10 days in prison after being detained during the protests that followed last month's reelection of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

(ITAR-TASS)