Clinton Suggests Charging Americans for Spreading Russian Propaganda
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday suggested 'civilly or even in some cases criminally' charging Americans found engaging in Russian propaganda....
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Facts
- Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday suggested 'civilly or even in some cases criminally' charging Americans found engaging in Russian propaganda.[1]
- Clinton told MSNBC that both Russians and alleged US-based accomplices should be held accountable, and claimed that influence operations have become more 'sophisticated' since 2016.[2][3]
- Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election, said charging Americans engaged in such propaganda would 'be a better deterrence' than charging Russians, who are unlikely to ever stand trial in the US.[4][5]
- Clinton alleged Russia is using both 'witting' and 'unwitting' Americans as part of their intelligence operations to spread 'Kremlin propaganda,' including Republicans in office who allegedly 'parrot Russian talking points.'[6]
- Speaking on the recent indictment of two Russia Today employees, Clinton said 'you can vote however you want' but can't let 'adversaries' — naming Russia, China, and Iran — influence American elections.[6]
- The US Code already has provisions against intentionally spreading false information, with individuals liable to up to five years in prison and/or a $1K fine if acting 'willfully and maliciously, or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life.'[7]
Sources: [1]Newsweek, [2]KEYE, [3]Realclearpolitics, [4]UnHerd, [5]justthenews.com, [6]MSNBC and [7]LII / Legal Information Institute.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Entrevue.Fr. Hillary Clinton's stance underscores the need for global media and social media security. Russian propaganda's impact on public discourse is a 'weapon of mass distraction.' Artificial intelligence may be a potential tool to counter fake news, but trusted media platforms must also educate citizens. The importance of protecting democratic societies from disinformation aligns with broader concerns about safeguarding truth.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Washington Post and Federalist. Hillary Clinton's outrageously hypocritical call for criminal charges against Americans engaging in misinformation only heightens concerns about attempts by government-industrial complexes to dictate the parameters of 'truth.' Legal efforts to control speech undermine a free media ecosystem. Clinton herself has a checkered history with 'misinformation' and her recent calls endanger civil liberties and encourage a surveillance state.
