Conservative news host Tucker Carlson could face an EU travel ban or other sanctions after interviewing Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Several EU leaders believe that Putin is such a dangerous “war criminal” that even journalists who interview and present the president’s perspective deserve to be punished.
Newsweek first reported that EU lawmakers were considering sanctions against Carlson, even though the interview had not yet been published.
For example, Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister and current member of the European Parliament, has called on the EU to consider imposing a travel ban on Carlson, accusing the host of being a “mouthpiece” for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
– As Putin is a war criminal and the EU sanctions all who assist him in that effort, it seems logical that the External Action Service examine his [Carlson’s] case as well, he argues.
EEAS, the European External Action Service, is the diplomatic arm of the EU responsible for foreign policy, and in order for a person to be placed on the sanctions list, evidence must be submitted to the EEAS for review. If the evidence is then deemed sufficient, the EAS can present the case to the European Council – the body of EU national leaders that makes the final decision on whether to impose sanctions.
“Not a real journalist”
Individual MEPs do not have the power to impose sanctions, and if Carlson is sanctioned for his Putin interview, it is likely to take a long time for a decision to be made.
However, former MEP Luis Garicano also hopes that Carlson will be punished, arguing that the host “is no longer a newsman, but a propagandist for the most heinous regime on European soil”.
Urmas Paet, an MEP and former Estonian foreign minister, agrees.
– Carlson wants to give a platform to someone accused of crimes of genocide—this is wrong. If Putin has something to say he needs to say it in front of the ICC. At the same time Carlson is not being a real journalist since he has clearly expressed his sympathy for the Russian regime and Putin and has constantly disparaged Ukraine, the victim of Russian aggression.
– So, for such propaganda for a criminal regime, you can end up on the list of sanctions. This concerns primarily travel ban to EU countries, he adds.
“Right to know”
Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin will be the first of its kind conducted by a major Western media player since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
– Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they’re implicated in and we have the right to tell them about it, he points out, explaining that the purpose of the interview is to contribute to a better understanding of Vladimir Putin’s agenda, actions and goals.
I’m grateful for the stupidity of Rupert Murdoch, the wisdom of Elon Musk and the courage of Tucker Carlson that resulted in the most important interview of our time. I’m looking forward to watching it.
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) February 6, 2024
