The official reply of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of Russia to the letter of appeal of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia says that the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company has been assigned to take all necessary measures to ensure the national anthem of the Russian Federation be broadcast daily on the territory of Astrakhan Region. The decision is based on Article 4 of the Law On the National Anthem of the Russian Federation.

The issue was addressed to the High Commissioner by the human rights commissioner in Astrakhan Region, who acted in the interests of Mr S., lieutenant colonel and veteran of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. According to the applicant, since 2011 in breach of the Law On the National Anthem of the Russian Federation some TV and radio channels have been failing to broadcast the national anthem. At the same time the law explicitly says it should be transmitted before and after the broadcast, while under the 24/7 broadcast — at 12 midnight and 6 a.m. local time.

Mr S. had submitted repeated requests to the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roscomnadzor), the regional Agency of Telecom and Mass Communications, and other authorities to have the broadcast of the anthem resumed. The replies received by him either denied the law had been breached or explained that due to technical reasons it was impossible to broadcast during the specified term.