Category Democracy

DISINFO: EU ban on Russian media is Russophobia and murder of free speech

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU violating freedom of speech and press. On 15 May 2024, EU ambassadors agreed in principle to place an additional four Russian media outlets on the sanctions list, accusing them of propaganda. These are Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestiya and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The decision was based on the fact that these media outlets are used as a tool of Russian propaganda and disinformation. See here for the list of outlets sanctioned previously. The EU countries are considered free and democratic by Freedom House. In contrast, Russia is considered one of the least free countries in the world. This is the reason why pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives strongly attack democracy and the EU as a viable model to Russia's autocratic system.
Read MoreDISINFO: EU ban on Russian media is Russophobia and murder of free speech

DISINFO: International law expert Polish judge Tomasz Szmydt assesses Ukraine’s war crimes

False claim made in connection with the case of Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who fled to Belarus seeking "political asylum". For several months, he was observed by the Polish special services who suspected him of espionage in favour of Belarus and Russia. Tomasz Szmydt is not an expert in International Public Law and has limited professional authority to accuse Ukraine of war crimes (see previous accusations in our database). In 2019, as explained by DW: "Szmydt made headlines when he was identified as being a member of a group of judges waging a smear campaign on social media against other judges"
Read MoreDISINFO: International law expert Polish judge Tomasz Szmydt assesses Ukraine’s war crimes

Fact Check: Is Tucker Carlson on Ukraine ‘Kill List’ Over Putin Interview?

False. The claim that the Mirotvorets list, which Alex Jones and Infowars refer to as a "kill list," is inaccurate, as is the claim that Tucker Carlson was added to it following reports he had interviewed Vladimir Putin. The list does not advocate violence toward those on it, which is part of an NGO, non-state-funded effort by Ukrainian activists to list "enemies of Ukraine." Carlson has been listed on the site since mid-2023.
Read MoreFact Check: Is Tucker Carlson on Ukraine ‘Kill List’ Over Putin Interview?
Illustration of a hand putting a ballot into a ballot box.

No, Zelensky hasn’t “canceled” Ukrainian elections

Accusations have circulated on social media that President Zelensky of Ukraine has cancelled elections in Ukraine, and extended martial law in order to remain in power. In fact, holding elections now, under wartime conditions, would almost guarantee another Zelensky victory. It would also be illegal under Ukrainian laws that predate Zelensky's time in power.
Read MoreNo, Zelensky hasn’t “canceled” Ukrainian elections

Article: “Wartime Elections in Ukraine Are Impossible”

It is illegal under Ukraine's constitution to hold elections while martial law is in effect. These rules predate President Zelensky's time in power. This Foreign Policy article gives a detailed overview of why holding elections in wartime Ukraine would be not just illegal, but would also put millions of civilians at risk while lining up under Russian missiles. An election today would also disenfranchise many of the millions of Ukrainians who are displaced, abroad as refugees, under Russian occupation, or prisoners in Russia.
Read MoreArticle: “Wartime Elections in Ukraine Are Impossible”

Twitter Blue accounts fuel Ukraine War misinformation

BBC News debunks several disinformation narratives making the rounds on Twitter - amplified in particular by paid "blue check" accounts: - Weapons for Ukraine not used in French riots - No evidence of 'baby factories' in Ukraine - Kramatorsk missile not Ukrainian - Zelensky has not cancelled elections
Read MoreTwitter Blue accounts fuel Ukraine War misinformation

FACT CHECK: Did Vladimir Putin Blame Americans For Interfering With Their Own Democracy? | Check Your Fact

Verdict: False The video was created by the non-partisan anti-corruption organization, RepresentUs. A spokesperson for the organization confirmed the footage of Putin included in the video was not real.
Read MoreFACT CHECK: Did Vladimir Putin Blame Americans For Interfering With Their Own Democracy? | Check Your Fact