DHAKA: Russia’s top opposition channel known for its critical coverage of president Vladimir Putin on Tuesday faced the prospect of closure after a major cable operator said it would take the station off the air.

Several providers have over the past days dropped the independent Internet and cable channel Dozhd from their television packages in a move the station called a state-orchestrated intimidation campaign.

On Monday, the main satellite provider Tricolour TV said it would be dropping the channel from February 10.

Dozhd editor-in-chief Mikhail Zygar said the move threatened the very existence of the channel, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1551 HRS, FEB 04, 2014