MOSCOW, October 24 - RAPSI, Dmitry Shchitov. A court has upheld the Moscow government's mass media and advertising department's decision to terminate its contract with an advertising company, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI).

The department claimed the advertiser used a billboard to disseminate religious information.

NIK`E is one of the largest outdoor advertising operators in Russia, according to its official web site.

The Moscow government and NIK`E entered into a long-term cooperation contract from June 7, 2007 to June 9, 2012. The advertising company was allowed to operate a billboard in Moscow.

The mass media and advertising department said in June it unilaterally terminated the contract as the advertiser violated contractual terms. NIK`E filed a lawsuit claiming to recognize the June 7, 2007 contract as valid.

The department said NIK`E used the billboard to spread religious information.

The court decided the department did not abuse power when terminating the contract as NIK`E violated the advertising law.