"This is not an information request, but a demand to explain this decision in terms of obligations breached by a state party to a number of documents related to media activities. We expect this response to be given to us, and we will ensure that the reasons for this illegal decision are explained to us," Lukashevich said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 broadcaster.
Sputnik Latvia was banned from disseminating information within the.lv domain zone on March 29. It launched on February 12 with the objective of providing alternative news coverage under the "Telling the Untold" motto.
On Thursday, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic requested clarification from Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics over the takedown, and expressed concerns that the ban could set a "dangerous precedent."
Sputnik is a news agency and radio network with multimedia news hubs in dozens of countries. Sputnik broadcasts through its websites, analog and digital radio, mobile apps and social media. Sputnik newswires run around the clock in English, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese.
Sputnik Latvia is open to readers under the.com domain zone.
