Language:

See all Disinfo Cases - Detail

Disinfo: European diplomats expelled from Russia deliberately violated Russian laws

Summary

The European diplomats expelled from Russia were well aware that they had violated Russian laws, since the actions in which they participated were uncoordinated.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations contains a provision that “all persons enjoying privileges and immunities are obliged, without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, to respect the laws and regulations of the host country”. In Russia, back in March last year, all public and mass events were banned.

Foreign diplomats were well aware of this. Thus, the participation of employees of the Consulates General of Sweden and Poland and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the actions held on January 23 and 31 is not only interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation, but also a deliberate, deliberate violation of the laws of the host state.

Disproof

A false claim on the activities of European diplomats. The three expelled diplomats did observe the manifestations, but the allegations that they took part in demonstrations are false. The European Union strongly condemned the decision to expel the European diplomats and rejected the allegations that they conducted activities incompatible with their status as foreign diplomats. According to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations(opens in a new tab), their duties include "[a]scertaining by all lawful means conditions and developments in the receiving State, and reporting thereon to the Government of the sending State" (Article 3(d)). See a similar case here.

Go to search

publication/media

News.am (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 231
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11/02/2021
  • Language/target audience: Armenian
  • Country: Poland, Sweden, Germany, Russia
  • Keywords: Diplomacy with Russia, Maria Zakharova
see more

British children are deprived of “breast milk” and “mothers”

British newborns are actually deprived of “breast milk” and “mothers”. In order not to offend “gender-neutral” patients, hospitals in Brighton and Sussex have introduced new terminology.

Feb 10, 2021
Disproof

This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the moral decay of Europe and propaganda of the morally corrupt West, and an over-interpretation of an instruction on inclusive language from the university hospitals of Brighton and Sussex. The instruction contains details on how to address non-binary and transgender people giving birth. The authors emphasise the necessity of an individual approach. The first point in the instructions to midwife is:

Treat people as individuals and uphold their dignity.

The instruction continues:

If we only use gender neutral language, we risk marginalising or erasing the experience of some of the women and people who use our services. We understand the fear of erasure, however marginalising other groups because they are rare will not improve care for women. We believe in human rights-based care and we can add inclusive language to our current language without subtracting anyone.

The demo with torchlights will give 146 percent support for Navalny

The plans of [Navalny’s associate] Leonid Volkov, who has suggested to use torchlights on 14 February all over the country, have been disclosed. Nothing needs to be done, all is already drawn and ready. The videos are already prepared.

Why does Volkov suggest a demonstration with torchlights outside the houses? Because they are easy to manipulate with computer graphics. They doctored the film with the “palace”. Imagine what they can do here. There will be 146 percent of support.

Feb 10, 2021
Disproof

An attempt to belittle the demonstrations and, in advance, create a narrative about its insignificance. Similar attempts are described here.

The number "146 percent" relates to a meme in Russia, where the turnup in the parliamentary elections in some regions amounted to 146 percent.

Russia is prepared for any kind of mess the West will come up with

Do you expect some kind of mess? The mess is already here.

The sanctions would be there, no matter what we do. We can do nothing, we can act, there will be sanctions against Russia anyway. The Democrats in the US seems to have outlined a strategy on relations with Russia for the upcoming six months. It will likely contain new concepts of economic restrictions against our country.

They will come up with something; remembering the anniversary of the Crimeas reunification with Russia might be the pretext. They do not need any reason. We must not forget that there this year will be presidental elections in Syria. The US introduced the Caesar Act and this will likely mean sanctions. All is very predictable and accounted for. Our authorities are confident.

Feb 10, 2021
Disproof

This is a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Western sanctions imposed on Russia trying to imply that the sanctions are groundless and used to suppress Russia.

EU sanctions and other restrictive measures were first applied (opens in a new tab)in 2014 following the Russian illegal annexation of Crimea. Since then, the list has been updated(opens in a new tab). The United States also imposed(opens in a new tab) sanctions on Russia after the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity in 2014.