Sanctioning Russian media undermines the principle of a free and open internet, where individuals can express opinions without fear of censorship or control, Ethiopian journalist and editor Muse Melesse Mekuria told Sputnik Africa on World Day Against Cyber Censorship.
He argued that sanctions can lead to misinformation, stifle independent voices, and ironically create an environment where misinformation thrives. The journalist suggested that accusations of disinformation are sometimes a political tactic to silence critics.
Muse Melesse Mekuria further asserted that restricting Russian media outlets goes against the West's claim to promote free speech. Such actions can lead to media censorship and might encourage other countries to take similar steps, he said, warning of a lasting negative impact on global media freedom.
"If Africans have diverse media sources, they will have a diverse understanding of what's happening in different parts of the world. They will get diverse opinions and multiple viewpoints, so it will help Africans to assess or to examine geopolitical issues, global affairs, politics, and economic trends," Muse Melesse Mekuria stated.
Africans will be empowered by different or diverse perspectives, including from the Russian media, the journalist concluded.