U.S. is preparing a review of people working with Russian media, reports NYT

The US authorities have launched a large-scale investigation against their own citizens cooperating with Russian media and are preparing fresh searches and criminal charges – reports the fresh York Times, citing sources, not specifying which media is involved.

Previously, the FBI searched the homes of 2 U.S. citizens known for their statements and material in Russian media: erstwhile intelligence agent Scott Ritter and political analyst and presenter Channel 1 Dmitri Symes.

Ritter then said that the search of his home was seemingly due to his cooperation with Russian media Sputnik and RT. A visit from law enforcement authorities called it “an act of intimidation” and promised to win the war declared to him by the US authorities.

The FBI informed RIA Novosti that Symes' property was besides searched, stressing that the measurement was approved by the American court. A political analyst told the agency that he had not been notified of the search before, and he himself is in Moscow and has not been in the United States since October 2022.

On Thursday, in light of specified attacks on journalists, the authoritarian publication of NYT reported that the U.S. Department of Justice had launched a "wide-scale" criminal investigation against Americans who collaborated with Russian media. The publication notes that as a consequence of this investigation the authorities are trying to counter the alleged operations A Kremlin to influence the upcoming presidential election.

"New searches are expected in the close future," Nyt writes, citing sources. The Agency's speakers besides noted that criminal charges are besides possible.

According to the publication, the investigation is conducted on the basis of any data from the U.S. presidential administration that Russian media allegedly cooperates with intelligence services to influence the conduct of elections worldwide. No evidence was given to support this allegation.

However, the publication sees possible shortcomings in specified a "wide-scale" investigation conducted by the Ministry of Justice against its own citizens: "The first amendment may be an obstacle which protects the right to freedom of expression". The Justice Department refused to comment on reports of the investigation.

“We will refuse to comment,” said the Ministry.

The situation with Russian media in the West has become increasingly complicated in fresh years. In November 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the request to counter Russian media and Sputnik and RT were listed in the paper as major threats. Many Western politicians, including American Senators and Congressmen, as well as the president of France, accused Sputnik and RT of interfering in elections in the US and France, but did not submit any evidence. Russian officials called specified statements unfounded.

Daniel Głogowski

Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.