DISINFO: Europe tramples on free speech as it bans pro-Kremlin outlets
SUMMARY
Continuing their course toward the information blockade, European politicians are trampling on universally recognised values that previous generations fought for. In particular, banning eight Russian media outlets from broadcasting in Europe violates the principle of freedom of speech, along with many other fundamental principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
RESPONSE
Recurrent disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accuses Western nations of a lack of freedom and democracy and of widespread human rights violations. This claim was made in the context of the EU’s adding eight pro-Kremlin propaganda outlets to the list of outlets under EU sanctions as part of the 16th package of sanctions imposed on Russia.
There is a response to Moscow's weaponisation of the media in order to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion in democratic societies. Pro-Kremlin outlets have played a central role in justifying and promoting Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. European authorities are restricting pro-Kremlin outlets that operate as tools of hybrid warfare.
On 24 February 2025, the European Union suspended the broadcasting licenses of eight Russian media outlets as part of its 16th sanctions package against Russia. These are EADaily (Eurasia Daily), Fondsk, Lenta, NewsFront, RuBaltic, SouthFront, Strategic Culture Foundation, and Krasnaya Zvezda (Tvzvezda). The EU justified these bans as measures to counter foreign state-sponsored disinformation, which is a legitimate action under international law to protect democratic societies from manipulation.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental part of democratic society but it is not absolute and does not protect the dissemination of propaganda, disinformation, or content that incites violence. Restrictions can be imposed on freedom of expression under specific conditions. Article 29 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads:
"In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order, and the general welfare in a democratic society."
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights says that the right to freedom of expression may be subject to certain restrictions for respect of the rights or reputations of others and for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals. Article 20 prohibits propaganda for war and advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that There is no democracy in Europe, that Press freedom means nothing to the European Union, and that Russian media are telling inconvenient truths are persecuted, whilst in Russia media is free.