Independent periodical Zhoda is a subject of interest of law enforcement authorities

23.02.2006.

On February 21, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus made a statement connected with the article in the last issues of the newspaper Zhoda called “Political creative approaches” and illustrated by caricatures (including those of prophet Mohammed). These caricatures resulted in the international scandal. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the caricature reprint materials are directed to the Prosecutor’s Office by the Ministry of Information.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs severely condemns any purpose actions that may provoke interdenominational hostility, spread distrust between national and religious communities that live in Belarus"- reports The Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry counts this article as a " simple provocation”. The caricatures reprinted from foreign media by the non-state periodical contradict the policy of the official government of the Republic of Belarus"- says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Alaiaksei Karol, the chief editor of Zhoda, the caricatures were published without his approval and in his absence. The distribution of the issue containing the caricatures is stopped, and the deputy of the chief editor is fined. The chief editor says that the article does not contain any information indicated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that his periodical respects all the confessions.
Now on February, 22, the editorial board of the newspaper is examined because of the initiate criminal case.
The press service of BAJ reminds that the subscription catalogue of Belposhta does not have Zhoda and the agreement about the distribution and dispatching of the newspaper was not renewed.

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