Federal Council does not want a ban on the distribution of Russian state broadcasters
The Federal Council has adopted additional EU sanctions against Russia, as it decided at an extraordinary meeting on Friday. However, the federal government wants nothing to do with banning the distribution of Russian state media.
The EU had already banned the distribution of Russian state media at all levels - including cable, satellite, websites and apps - at the beginning of March. Offshoots of "RT" - formerly "Russia Today" - are also affected, for example in German or French. The ban will be implemented by the media regulators of the EU member states. A media ban is generally a serious infringement of freedom of expression and information.
The Federal Council has now decided not to implement the measure, as it announced. "Even if these channels are tools of targeted propaganda and disinformation by the Russian Federation, the Federal Council is of the opinion that it is more effective to counter untrue and harmful statements with facts instead of banning them."
Due to the extraordinary situation, Swisscom and Sunrise UPC had already decided at the beginning of March to stop broadcasting the Russian state broadcaster "RT" with immediate effect and until further notice. "Sputnik" will not be broadcast by either provider.
"Very sensitive political issue"
In an interview with Tamedia newspapers on Friday, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin described a Switzerland-wide ban on the broadcasting of Russian state broadcasters in Switzerland as a "very sensitive political issue". A ban could only be justified if Switzerland's higher-ranking interests were really at stake.
The two channels "RT" and "Sputnik" are "instruments of Russian propaganda and warfare", Parmelin continued. "They spread lies and disinformation with the aim of stirring up insecurity and using the freedom of our democracies against Switzerland."
According to Parmelin, however, a ban could be interpreted as censorship. He also wondered whether a ban would not make these channels more attractive. In any case, the population is in a position to judge what is "absurd propaganda" and what is not, said Parmelin.
Fourth sanctions package implemented
In principle, the Federal Council has decided that Switzerland will adopt all EU sanctions against Russia. However, the national government wants to take a close look at each adoption.
In view of the ongoing military invasion in Ukraine, the Federal Council adopted further sanctions against Russia on Friday. They come into force at 11 p.m. on Friday evening. "All measures relating to the EU's fourth sanctions package have thus been implemented," the government wrote.
Last week, Switzerland had already implemented the extensions to the list of persons affected by financial sanctions decided by the EU up to that point. The export of goods for the energy sector and related services are now prohibited. Investments and the provision of loans or other financial resources to companies operating in the energy sector are also prohibited.
No more luxury watches for Russia
Imports of iron and steel products from or originating in Russia have also been stopped. In addition, exports to Russia of luxury goods and goods for maritime navigation are no longer possible. In the financial sector, transactions with certain state-owned companies and the provision of rating services are prohibited.
Finally, the Federal Council decided on certain exemptions from financial sanctions for humanitarian purposes. This facilitates business relationships that are necessary for the work of humanitarian organizations. (SDA)
