The Broadcasting Authority's decision to impose a fine on RTK103 for refusing to invite Imperium Europa's extreme right-wing candidates is nothing short of disgraceful and absurd, PEN said in a statement Thursday.

It is the duty of any editor, journalist and producer not to allow their platform to be used by speakers who fan hate speech, PEN, a group of writers, journalists, artists, and activists, said. With its decision, the BA has legitimised racism as a political view. 

The decision to impose a fine on RTK103 makes a mockery of the BA's constitutional role to safeguard democracy while abandoning its crucial role to protect our democratic freedom of expression.

It's a shame that the spineless Broadcasting Authority is once again showing moral bankruptcy and persists in setting a dangerous precedent for broadcasting, PEN said.