US seizes websites, charges two from RT over Russian disinformation

NEWS WIRES

5 September 2024 at 12:31 am·1-min read

In seizing Kremlin-run websites and charging two Russian state media employees, the White House executed its most sweeping effort yet to push back against alleged Russian attempts to spread disinformation as the US presidential election approaches a critical stage.

The measures, which in addition to indictments also included sanctions and visa restrictions, represented a U.S. government effort just weeks before the November election to disrupt a persistent threat from Russia that American officials have long warned has the potential to sow discord and create confusion among voters.

Washington has said that Moscow, which intelligence officials have said has a preference for Republican Donald Trump, remains the primary threat to elections even as the FBI continues to investigate a hack by Iran this year that targeted the presidential campaigns of both political parties.

“The Justice Department’s message is clear: We will have no tolerance for attempts by authoritarian regimes to exploit our democratic systems of government,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

The nearly 2,000 videos posted by the company have gotten more than 16 million views on YouTube alone, prosecutors said.

Messages left with the Russian Embassy were not immediately returned.

(AP)

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