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The council points out that it had observed repeated gross violations in Rossiya RTR broadcasts in 2015, which breached both Latvian and EU regulations.

Carrying out monitoring of Rossiya RTR programming, the NEMMC concluded that the channel was deliberately broadcasting programs inciting ethnic hate. These programs were reporting biased information about Ukraine in serious contradiction with journalistic ethics principles.

In another program, the channel reported similar one-sided programming about Latvia, reporting that ethnic conflicts between Latvians and Russians in Latvia are a regular occurrence, and that this is a deliberate policy in Latvia being imposed by the Americans.

Thus, it has been determined that such programming, aimed at the Russian speaking audience, is deliberate and aimed at inciting ethnic hate.

Taking into account the amount is misinformation, lies and propaganda broadcast by Russian television channel Rossiya RTR, the National Electronic Mass Media Council's decision to restrict the channel's broadcast in Latvia is nothing to be surprised about, Andis Kudors, executive director of the Center for East European Policy Studies, told LETA.

Asked about the council's decision, he expressed the point of view that it is justified, taking into account that the channel is state-owned and knowing how it has been operating. ''It is extremely alarming how much misinformation, lies and propaganda this channel has been broadcasting. Taking account all of these facts, it is hard to classify Rossiya RTR as a media outlet, or one which we in the free world would understand,'' Kudors said.

Asked whether the decision will lessen Russia's influence on public opinion in Latvia, the expert said that in order to achieve this, complex work is needed by all institutions, working together in various spheres, which includes the cultivation of media skills and also supporting the independent and public media in Latvia.

''The NEMMC continues to work consistently in its area of responsibility. If we begin to think how to lessen official Russia's unfavorable influence on the processes taking place in Latvia, positive results will certainly follow,'' he said.

The expert also pointed out that there will always be opponents who say that those residents who are interested in such content will find it on-line. ''Do you think people are truly going to go on-line searching for such information, including pensioners? I truly doubt it. This is just a myth,'' he added.

As reported, previously, the Public Consultative Council of the Electronic Mass Media Council said it believed that several television channels controlled by the Russian government were disseminating tendentious and grossly misleading information hostile toward Latvia.

Pursuant to Article 24 of the Law on Electronic Mass Media, the electronic mass media must ensure that their broadcasts present true and unbiased information about various facts and events, encourage opinion exchange, and conform to the generally-accepted journalistic and ethical principles.

The Latvian Electronic Mass Media Law also states that the mass media may not disseminate misleading information, be involved in kindling ethnic hatred, or advocate military conflicts or war.