The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) called on Friday, February 4, European countries not to use the media as a weapon in the political crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
“(IFJ and EFJ are calling on authorities across Europe, where tensions have escalated over the Russia-Ukraine crisis and have led to increased restrictions and threats against journalists, to avoid using the media as a weapon. The right to unrestricted access to information is a fundamental right ”, the IFJ website says.
The corresponding statement came against the background of the decision of the German regulator in early February to stop broadcasting RT DE in the country. In response, the Russian authorities announced restrictions on the work of the media company Deutsche Welle in Russia, followed by the closure of the Moscow office of DW and the deprivation of journalists of accreditation.
In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the plans of the Russian authorities to form a list of persons involved in the ban on the German-speaking division of RT in Germany, who will be restricted from entering Russia.
State Duma deputy Alexei Chepa called the decision of the German authorities a lawlessness. In his opinion, the opportunity to show an excellent point of view on many important, topical issues frightens many countries.
The head of the press service of the State Department, Ned Price, in turn, conveyed the position of Washington, which supported Deutsche Welle after Russia’s response.
The representative of the EU Foreign Service, Peter Stano, also said that the EU considers unacceptable the decision of the Russian Federation to close the office of the DW television and radio company. At the same time, he did not mention the ban on broadcasting for RT in Germany.
Bundestag deputy from the Alternative for Germany party, Jan Nolte, told Izvestia that Russia’s response to the ban on RT DE broadcasting in Germany is understandable. In his opinion, this situation occurred through the fault of Germany.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
