European Union crackdown on media and migrant returns draws human-rights criticism

The European Union has extended its ban on the Russian state broadcaster RT, prohibiting the distribution of its content across all member states and imposing sanctions that affect Swiss nationals linked to the outlet. EU officials justify the measures as necessary for public order and security, while critics liken the restrictions to historic censorship practices.

Separately, the EU Parliament approved a new return directive that broadens the use of detention for migrants and authorises the creation of “return centres” in third countries. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that the policy threatens the principle of non‑refoulement, citing a recent case in which Lithuania deported a Russian deserter despite concerns over potential rights violations.