Major Estonian newspapers have refused to publish an ad by the Nazi-hunting Simon Wiesenthal Center that offers a large reward for information on surviving war criminals, arguing that the ad contradicts the law and journalistic ethics.

The advertisement says that "while accession to NATO is good, it won't wipe out your history."

Later, it reads, "During the Holocaust, Nazis and their Estonian henchmen murdered thousands of Jews in Estonia as well as in other countries." The sum of $10,000 stands in bold, followed by a smaller text saying that the money will be paid out for information that helps to bring Nazi war criminals to justice and punish them.

The advertisement was rejected on Feb. 17 by the leading dailies Postimees, Eesti Paevaleht and SL Ohtuleht, as well as the Maaleht rural weekly. Eesti Paevaleht told the party that placed the order for publication of the ad that in the newspaper's opinion the ad went against provisions of the Estonian Advertising Act and the constitution. "Because of that I don't consider it possible to publish it," Priit Hobemagi, editor in chief of Eesti Paevaleht, said.

(Baltic News Service)