You're reading: Azarov: Television is not allowed to lampoon Ukrainian politicians

Ukrainian television stations are forbidden to produce comedies about Ukrainian politicians.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov announced the news on Sept. 21 during a meeting with the youth wing of his Party of Regions in Kyiv.

"This is my initiative. Such [comedies] are not filmed and will not be filmed," Azarov was quoted by Intermedia New Agency as saying.

Opposition political leaders and government critics have accused the presidential administration and the new government of monopolizing media, a charge President Viktor Yanukovych and Azarov have rejected.

Click here to see a photo essay of Azarov’s speech at the Party of Regions youth congress.