Information
Judges in Strasbourg have upheld a decision by Lithuanian authorities to ban Russian-Bulgarian pop singer Philipp Kirkorov from entering Lithuania, citing him as a threat to national security. The ruling stems from Kirkorov’s close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin, having branded himself as Putin’s “representative on stage.” Lithuanian migration authorities initiated this five-year ban in January 2021, following a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, identifying Kirkorov as an instrument of Russian “soft power” and propaganda. This was particularly underscored by his concerts in Crimea, which were seen as endorsing Russia’s aggressive territorial policies.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found the Lithuanian action justified, recognizing that Kirkorov’s public statements and actions supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea and propagated Kremlin narratives. Despite Kirkorov’s defense claiming his apolitical stance as an artist focusing on universal themes like love and nature, the Strasbourg court ruled that his activities had the potential to influence public opinion and thus posed a legitimate national security concern. The interference with his freedom of expression was deemed legally sound under both domestic and EU law, aiming to protect national security and public order. This decision aligns with broader efforts by the Baltic states and EU institutions to combat Russian disinformation and influence in the region.
Source: DW
So what
While protecting freedom of speech is fundamental, it is also important not to let a hostile state actively push propaganda onto a population. Although, this is extremely difficult in the modern age, with the internet and other rapid communication devices. The information space is currently one of the most critical areas of international competition, with the effects clearly visible in Western states when it comes to stories such as the Ukraine War and the situation in Israel.
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