«Narodnaya Volia» journalists are not allowed to go abroad

• 25.10.2007, 9:51

For more than three weeks journalists of the independent newspaper “Narodnaya Volia” cannot get the so-called permitting stamp for traveling abroad. According to the department of citizenship and migration, the delay was caused by thorough examination of the journalists’ documents by the KGB.

Assistant editor of the independent newspaper “Narodnaya Volia” Maryna Koktysh and publishing manager Anastasiya Anischanka left the application for the permitting stamp with their local citizenship and migration departments several weeks ago. They paid the extra fee of about BR 12,5 thousand to get the papers ready within 7 days. Nevertheless, they never got their passports on the appointed date, “Narodnaya Volia” reports.

“I was told they hadn’t yet put this stamp because my papers were considered by specific bodies - KGB. I asked for the complaints book. There I wrote I pay taxes regularly and I’m not on the list of republican and world investigation. The passport office had one claim - my employment. But “Narodnaya Volia” is a registered edition sold all over the country,” Maryna Koktysh said.

The journalist recommended the administration of the Maskouski district passport office to make public the list of organizations that should not apply for the permitting stamp because they are to be examined thoroughly.

Nor can Maryna Koktysh get the money paid for the extra fee back - at present she has no passport.