EU wants to ban American journalist from entering the block

Following his visit to Moscow, American journalist Tucker Carlson risks being banned from the European Union after facing accusations of providing a platform to President Vladimir Putin, the person behind the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

A group of members of the European Parliament has proposed a travel ban on Carlson, citing concerns over the journalist providing a platform that stands accused of war crimes, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

On the other hand, Carlson, who was a close associate of former US President Donald Trump,  has defended his actions aimed at keeping Americans informed about the Ukraine conflict.

According to Newsweek, MEP Urmas Paet criticised Carlson and questioned his journalistic approach, saying that such ‘propaganda’ can result in a travel ban to EU countries.

Carlson wants to give a platform to someone accused of crimes of genocide—this is wrong. If Putin has something to say, he needs to say it in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the same time, Carlson is not being a real journalist since he has clearly expressed his sympathy for the Russian regime and Putin and has constantly disparaged Ukraine, the victim of Russian aggression. 

Former Belgian Prime Minister and current MEP Guy Verhofstadt also believes that Carlson should be banned from the EU, arguing that the EU sanctions war criminals, such as Putin and all those that are associated with him. In that case, Carlson should make no exception and can soon be banned from entering the EU.

Former MEP Luis Garicano also agreed with the proposed sanction against the American journalist and called him a ‘propagandist.’

He [Tucker Carlson] is no longer a newsman but a propagandist for the most heinous regime on European soil and the one which is most dangerous to our peace and security. 

Carlson, who visited Russia earlier this week, said on Tuesday that he would soon publish an interview with Putin. He also added that he covered this trip to Russia with his own funds and wanted to do the interview because “most Americans are not informed” about the conflict, which has resulted in thousands of Ukrainians losing their lives.

However, that is not true since many journalists have requested to interview Putin since the war in Ukraine began. Even Russia confirmed that the claim is not true, saying that Mr. Carlson is not correct.

Former US President Donald Trump, a close associate of Carklson, said in November that he was considering the showmen as a potential running mate and vice president.