An additional file has been added since this Wednesday, February 2 to the already delicate relations between Moscow and Berlin. Namely the ban decided by the German regulatory authority on the broadcasting of the program in German of the Russian channel RT. The negative reactions from Moscow were immediate.
With our correspondent in Berlin, Pascal Thibault
There is the Ukrainian file, and possible sanctions against the gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, which is to deliver Russian gas to Germany. These are the issues that are currently fueling tensions between Russia and Berlin. But now here is the RT case.
” It makes no sense “, according to the comment on Twitter from the head of the Russian channel, which has the merit of being clear. Margarita Simonian denounces the decision to ban the broadcasting of the German language program of Russia Today. The channel has announced that it will take legal action and wants to continue broadcasting in Germany.
The channel has a Serbian license, and believes that this should allow it to be broadcast on cable and satellite in Europe. The German regulator considers the Berlin-based production company responsible for the programs. In this case, as with any German TV, a license in the same country would be required.
RT did not request it. Broadcasting on YouTube and via satellite had already been suspended. The ban decided on Wednesday prohibits it on the channel’s website and on its mobile application.
Apart from RT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow reacted and promised the adoption of reprisals against German media operating in Russia. Sergei Lavrov had raised the subject during the recent visit of his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. The dossier has poisoned bilateral relations for a long time and is now increasing the tensions linked to the Ukrainian dossier a little more.
►In short: RT banned from broadcasting in Germany, Russia promises retaliation