The main Dutch journalists ‘association has filed a lawsuit against the European Union’s ban on Russian state-run media, citing violations of European citizens’ rights to freedom of information.
The EU has imposed scans broadcast restrictions on Russia Today and Sputnik in Europe on March 2 in the context of sanctions against Moscow, arguing that these Russian media outlets made propaganda to justify and support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Dutch journalists’ lawsuit, filed in the European Court of Justice, does not endorse the content produced by Russian media outlets, nor does it say that European broadcasters should broadcast it.
On the contrary, he stresses that the ban is too broad and that allowing politicians to enact censorship policies overnight is fundamentally wrong.
“If you are talking about sanctions, then the idea is to punish Russia”said Thomas Bruning of the Nederlandse Vereniging van Journalisten (NVJ).
“But in reality you are punishing European citizens by not treating them as adults and not giving them access to information.”
He added that leaving the ban unquestioned could set a precedent for banning other media outlets with a specific political sign.
“We all believe that misinformation is a serious problem in our time. Censorship is an easy answer, but it is not the right answer. “.
The ban, decided by European political leaders at the European Councilconcerns “all means of transmission and distribution” of Russian news media, including cable, satellite, television, Internet platforms, websites and applications.
NVJ’s lawsuit is also supported by several Dutch internet providers and the Bits of Freedom group, known for its campaigns for net neutrality.
The EU decision raised concerns that RT and Sputnik could destabilize Europe, but it was “extremely vague,” Bits of Freedom expert Rezo Zenger said in a blog post about the lawsuit.
“It is not clear what exactly should be excluded, who should impose the blockade or how long the blockade should last.”.
“If a decision like this is really necessary, then the motive should be much better explained and checked by an independent judge,” he added.
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