An internet portal is said to have spread pro-Russian propaganda in Europe. Now the Czech Republic is taking action against the operator. According to a report, money also allegedly flowed to politicians.
The Czech government has added the operators of the “Voice of Europe” website to its national sanctions list against Russia. The Foreign Ministry in Prague announced this on Wednesday. The website is part of a Russian influence operation whose aim is to question Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom.
Behind this is, among others, the oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, who was accused of high treason in Ukraine but came to Russia in September 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange. According to the ministry, Medvedchuk, who is considered a confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was also personally placed on the sanctions list.
The decision contributes to protecting democratic processes before the European Parliament elections in June, emphasized the Czech Foreign Ministry. The operating company of the website “voiceofeurope.com”, which is also available in German, is registered in Prague. She is also active on social networks such as Facebook and Platform X, where she has more than 180,000 followers.
Newspaper: Money went to politicians from Germany
The newspaper “Denik N” reported, citing secret service circles, that money in cash was also handed over to politicians during visits to Prague through the influence network. These were politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary. A six-figure euro amount was spent on this and the operation of the portal.
There was no official further information about this. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized that, according to his information, no Czech politicians or citizens were involved. “We have information that the aim (of the group) was to work in EU countries and to gain influence in the EU Parliament,” said the liberal-conservative politician.
Inclusion on the national sanctions list enables the tax authorities to freeze the property of those affected. The sanctioned people are no longer allowed to enter the Czech Republic. “The government has never shut down websites and will not do so this time, but the state organs will enforce compliance with the sanctions,” explained Fiala. This would make further operations from Prague impossible.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
