DISINFO: Berlin refused to answer on why RT’s bank accounts were closed
DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS
Tags:
Media RT Russia Today (RT) Censorship Russophobia Anti-Russian

DISINFO: Berlin refused to answer on why RT’s bank accounts were closed

SUMMARY

The German government refused to answer the question of why COMMERZBANK has closed down the accounts of RT and Ruptly news agencies in Germany.

RESPONSE

Disinformation message regarding RT (formerly Russia Today), the Russian state-owned international network, painting the German government as a hostile body leaning toward censorship.

The German government did not refuse to answer the question but has in fact directly addressed this issue by denying any involvement in what is a private commercial matter: the closure of the RT accounts. At the same time it has rejected the threat and claims coming from Moscow accusing Germany of restricting press freedoms.

In the beginning of March 2021, the German Foreign Ministry spokesman Christofer Burger said:

This is not the first time that the Russian government has tried to hold us responsible for a private-law business relationship between RT and its banks”, adding “On behalf of the Federal Government, I can once again state quite clearly that the Federal Government has in no way lobbied Commerzbank to end the business relationship.

Read similar claims in our database claiming that Russian media are being discriminated against in the Baltic States; or that the sanctions put on Dmitry Kiselyov do not concern RT; or that Russia doesn’t assault freedom of expression.

Embed

Related disinfo cases

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

    Your opinion matters!

    Data Protection Information *

      Subscribe to the Disinfo Review

      Your weekly update on pro-Kremlin disinformation

      Data Protection Information *

      The Disinformation Review is sent through Mailchimp.com. See Mailchimp’s privacy policy and find out more on how EEAS protects your personal data.