The Supreme Economic Court of Belarus has rejected a lawsuit filed by a Minsk-based independent publisher against the Information Ministry.
Ihar Lohvinau, the owner of the private LohvinaU publishing house, had demanded that the ministry's decision to withdraw his license be revoked.
Lohvinau lost his license after a court in Minsk in April declared as "extremist" a book that showcased some of the country's best photojournalism.
The book -- printed by Lohvinau's company two years ago -- consisted of photographs that won prizes in the 2011 Belarus Press Photo competition, including images of a police crackdown on people protesting against authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Some of the images were taken by photographers working for international news agencies.
Lohvinau said on November 18 that he will appeal the court's decision.
