Brest: Permissions for Retail of Independent Printed Editions Annulled

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists

On 12 June the editors of the non-state newspapers of Brest which are sold by private distributors on the streets, received letters from Brest city executive committee where it is stated that the permissions for retail of the newspapers are annulled since 7 June. All the letters were signed by the deputy chair of Brest city executive committee V.Khafizau.

In the letters it is explained with the committee’s ruling on the work of the public distributors of private editions.

In order to receive new permissions the editorial offices of non-state newspapers will have to execute several conditions. For instance, all public distributors must wear special cloaks and caps with the inscription ‘Brest Press’. The editorial offices must also equip the distributors with portable tables, newspaper bags, containers and hand carts. By 16 June 2007 the editorial offices must apply for purchase of this equipment which will cost about 1 500 – 1 700 US dollars.