Ukraine President Zelensky has recently taken control of the media in his nation, and banned political party activities. Since the largest opposition party in their parliament is pro-Russia, this makes a certain sense. Nevertheless, human rights advocates here and elsewhere have criticized the move.
I’d remind those who slept through US History classes that what Zelensky has done is nothing more than what President Woodrow Wilson did in World War I and FDR did in World War II. Both took control of media and made sure it was pushing the government line.
Let’s remember that in each of the 3 cases above, the nation acting to limit media freedom was not the military aggressor or initiator of the conflict. The right of dissent is always severely circumscribed during all-out war, which is exactly where Ukraine finds itself at the moment.
Censorship is an unfortunate but realistic response to an unfortunate human compulsion …. making war.
