Russia Today is to challenge a ban on the state-controlled media imposed by the European Union.
Restrictions on RT’s broadcasts came into force last week across the trading block. The ban suspended operations in France, Germany and Spain. It also had the knock-on effect of removing the pro-Putin station from satellites broadcasting to the UK, where Ofcom is currently conducting its own investigation into its output.
The bid, which was made via the broadcaster’s French office will go before the EU General Court. However, it could be several weeks before the case is heard.
The EU has also halted the broadcasting activities of another Russian media operation, Sputnik.
On Friday, Russia passed a new law restricting the activities of independent journalists, leading to a number of broadcasters ceasing operations in the country. Subsequently, the BBC has recommenced its reporting activities with journalists filing reports for yesterday’s News at One.
Addressing the European Parliament as part of a debate on foreign interference and disinformation, Josep Borrell, Commission Vice-President in charge of coordinating the external action of the European Union, dismissed critics that claim the EU is threatening freedom of information with the bans.
“They are not independent media, they are assets, they are weapons, in the Kremlin’s manipulation ecosystem,” he said.
Borrell insisted that Russia today was capable of conducting an “information war” against the West.
