European Broadcasting Union (EBU) penalized Azerbaijan at Armenia’s request, President of the Council of Public Television and Radio of Armenia Alexan Harutyunyan stated December 19. He also informed that Azerbaijan was not banned from participation in Eurovision for three years solely for Spain’s similar violation.

“There were several options to penalize, but eventually the penalty was imposed. Both Azerbaijan and Spain were fined, as the latter plays significant role in EBU or Eurovision,” Harutyunyan underlined, adding that Azerbaijan was warned that next time it will be deprived of participation right.

Azerbaijani intelligence service detained those voting for Armenian contestants in Eurovision 2009 contest, thus the country was fined by EBU.

A.G.