Russian broadcaster RT steps to German court over broadcasting ban | Foreign Affairs

German broadcasting authorities imposed the ban because RT allegedly did not have the proper licenses. Russia, where journalists “disappear” with regularity, spoke of an “attack on freedom of expression” and promised retaliatory measures. President Putin imposed a broadcasting ban on Deutsche Welle, closed the station’s Moscow office and revoked the accreditation of DW journalists.

YouTube banned several German-language channels of RT last year. Two channels were shut down for allegedly spreading disinformation about the coronavirus. Later, another channel was taken off the air for allegedly circumventing an earlier blockade.

RT broadcasts in six languages. Western countries see the channel as a propaganda channel of the Kremlin. For example, it broadcasts live protests by the Yellow Heses, among others; according to critics, to expose the “chaos” in Europe. RT believes it contributes to the diversity of opinions in Europe.

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