Photo: EU Court of Justice
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rejected a request by Russian news network RT France to lift a broadcasting ban imposed by the European Union (EU) on Russia over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
China’s official new agency, Xinhua, quoted the ECJ as saying on Twitter on Wednesday that, “The EU General Court dismisses Russia Today France’sapplication for annulment of the EU Council’s acts,’’
It would be recalled that aftermath of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Feb. 24, 2022, the EU Council adopted several sets of sanctions against Russia.
These sanctions include broadcasting bans in the EU targeting Russian media that the EU considers disinformation, including RT France.
These bans were effective since March 2, and RT France went to court to contest them on March 8.
However, RT France asked for the annulment of the Council’s sanctions.
It contended that the broadcast ban was against freedom of speech and information, the right to defend oneself, freedom of entrepreneurship, and the principle of non-discrimination based on one’s nationality.
Delivering ruling on Wednesday, however, the ECJ ruled against the media organization.
According to the court, the ban is a “proportionate’’ measure, and “necessary to the aims pursued.’’
It also ruled that RT France’s freedom of entrepreneurship is not harmed, as the measures were temporary and reversible.
Reacting to the ruling, Xenia Fedorova, president of RT France., said in a tweet that the prohibition demonstrated that the judiciary of the EU cannot or does not want to oppose political power.
“European politicians have chosen a path against the values on which Europe was based, such as freedom of expression and diversity of opinion,’’ he tweeted.
