RTP, Expresso, Público And Observador Blocked In Russia
On June 27, 2024, the Information Directorate of the Lusa agency expressed strong condemnation of Russia's decision to block Internet access within the country to 81 European media outlets, including the Portuguese media RTP, Expresso, Público and Observador. This action by Russia is seen as a retaliation against the European Union's ban on broadcasting activities by Russian state-controlled and biased media outlets.
Portugal strongly repudiates the decision of the Russian Federation (...). In defense of freedom of expression , our solidarity with free journalism.
EU Finally Acts On Kremlin-Controlled Propaganda
The decision by Russia was announced as a response to the EU's measure, which took effect on the same day, prohibiting Russian media such as RIA Novosti, Izvestia, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, and Voice of Europe from broadcasting within the EU. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified the restriction by accusing the targeted EU media of systematically disseminating false information about the developments of the barbarism against Ukrainians, which Russia started in 2014 and turned into a full-blown invasion in 2022.
LUSA: Solidarity With Media Outlets
Lusa's Information Directorate issued a statement expressing solidarity with the affected media organizations and denouncing the Russian decision as a violation of the freedom of information and journalism, which are fundamental to a democratic society. The Directorate called for the immediate lifting of these restrictions.
Absurd Retaliation Against Freedom Of Expression
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also condemned the Russian blockade via social media, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and supporting free journalism. His stance was echoed by Vera Jourova, Vice-President of the European Commission, who described Russia's actions as "absurd reprisals" against the EU's measures.
In March of 2022, the EU officially banned the Kremlin-backed media outlets RT and Sputnik in a move meant to crack down on Russian disinformation amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Many Countries Concerned
The media outlets targeted by Russia include not only those from Portugal but also from numerous other EU countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, and Sweden. These developments underscore the ongoing information warfare accompanying the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
Source: Dnoticias.pt
Care for a share?
Comments