DISINFO: Freedom of speech has been seriously abused in the Baltics
SUMMARY
The situation of freedom of speech has been vehemently deteriorating in the Baltic states which is unacceptable in today's world.
RESPONSE
The claim above is part of a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative suggesting that Western countries are persecuting Russian media outlets / journalists and silencing pro-Kremlin opinions.
The claim above, which is not backed up by substantial evidence, is associated with Latvia's recent decision to block the broadcasting rights of RT, the flagship broadcaster of pro-Kremlin narratives. RT (former Russia Today) is notorious for spreading disinformation, particularly related to claims about the EU and the situation in Ukraine.
Regarding the claims about the Baltic states, in the latest, 2021 edition of the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Estonia is ranked 15th worldwide, followed by Latvia in 22nd place and Lithuania in 28th place. For comparison: Russia is ranked 150th of the 180 countries that are evaluated as part of the annual report.
The Baltic countries have been repeatedly targeted by pro-Kremlin media outlets. See disinformation cases about Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia here.