According to information released by the RBC Agency, the Russian government confirmed the seizure of Euronews assets, owned by the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, because of the trial at the lawsuit filed by the shareholders of YUKOS.
Information about the seizure was confirmed by the VGTRK’s press office.
The VGTRK’s seized share totals 7.5% of stock in the French television broadcasting company Euronews. According to the source close to Euronews, this event does not affect the operation of the French TV channel and its Russian partner. Any official comment is not provided both by the shareholders of YUKOS and representatives of the French TV channel.
This is not the first case of seizing Russian assets in view of the litigation between the former shareholders of YUKOS and the Russian government. In June, following the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague, there were seized accounts of the news agency Russia Today. Despite lifting seizure of some accounts, the Russian government appealed against that ruling and was about to make a complaint against the seizure of property of the Russian Federation abroad.
The media holding VGTRK owns the major terrestrial TV channels of Russia, such as Russia 24, Russia 1, Russia 2, Russia K, a large number of Digital TV channels broadcasting in the cable and satellite networks. It is also the owner of radiostations Mayak, Yunost, Kultura, Vesti FM and Radio of Russia. The VGTRK’s assets also incorporate the TV channel Euronews in its Russian version and the TV channel RTR-Planeta.
