Russian Prosecutors Withdraw Subpoena For Embattled Station's Editor

Aleksei Venediktov

The chief editor of the embattled Russian radio station Ekho Moskvy has announced via Twitter that Russian prosecutors have withdrawn a subpoena summoning him for questioning.

Earlier on February 15, Aleksei Venediktov announced he had been asked to appear before prosecutors on February 16 to explain a complaint over an alleged labor-code violation.

It was not immediately clear why the summons was withdrawn.

On February 14, the liberal-leaning station's majority shareholder, the media arm of the state-run energy giant Gazprom, dissolved the station's board of directors.

Ekho Moskvy staff say the reshuffle is meant to pressure the station into curbing its coverage ahead of presidential elections next month.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is seeking a return to the presidency, in January accused Ekho Moskvy of "pouring diarrhea" on him with critical coverage.

Compiled from agency reports