Declaration of bankruptcy for the German constitutional state

On the EU sanctions against Alina Lipp Alina Lipp and Thomas Röper – a statement of solidarity

by Wolfgang Bittner,* Germany

(13 June 2025)   (CH-S) In its 17th package of sanctions adopted on 20 May, the EU included German journalists Alina Lipp and Thomas Röper among those sanctioned, imposing a ban on entry into and transit through the EU and their home country; their assets in Europe were frozen. The EU thus followed Ukraine’s lead in placing Ms Lipp and Mr Röper on the “list of Ukrainian enemies of the state”, some of whom have already been killed. The inclusion in the EU sanctions package was carried out without any review under the rule of law and in disregard of press freedom, freedom of expression and information, as well as in disregard of any guarantee of legal recourse.

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Those who do not toe the line in the “liberal democracy” in which we live, according to leading politicians in Berlin, can be intimidated, punished or eliminated, whether through unlawful house searches, fines or, as has happened in individual cases, imprisonment. The excesses are increasing.

The European Union has taken a serious step towards restricting freedom of expression and freedom of the press, adding a new dimension to the unlawful threats and punishment of journalists critical of the government and their supporters. This step was taken as part of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia adopted on 20 May 2025. For the first time, two German citizens are affected: journalist and author Thomas Röper and journalist and blogger Alina Lipp. Both live in Russia and report from there.

They are accused of “systematically spreading disinformation about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” in their widely read blogs, denying the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and participating in an armed conflict in a third country through “information manipulation and influence”.

Thomas Röper and Alina Lipp have been banned from entering and transiting through Germany, and their assets in Europe have been “frozen”. Furthermore, it has been decreed that “no funds or economic resources may be made available to them, either directly or indirectly”. This also means that any sellers or donors are liable to prosecution, with intentional violations of sanctions under EU regulations, which are to be incorporated into national criminal law, punishable by imprisonment.

This development, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, is causing quite a stir in the alternative media, while the mainstream media, in line with their political and ideological orientation, are showing some understanding for the defence against “Russian hybrid threats”, “disinformation” and “Kremlin propaganda”.

But what is happening here, what the EU Commission in Brussels presumptuously assumes before everyone’s eyes, is monstrous. The suspension of civil rights without a hearing, charge or judgement, combined with the punishment of German citizens through sanctions, is a declaration of bankruptcy for the rule of law. Based on questionable accusations, professional bans and expropriations are being imposed, whereby the Commission is blatantly exceeding its powers. The question of who will be next is pending.

This development is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Legal action should be taken before the European Court of Justice and criminal charges should be brought against those responsible for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. We call on lawyers who have remained incorruptible to act.

* Dr. Wolfgang Bittner, born 1941, studied law, sociology and philosophy in Göttingen and Munich and passed his second state law examination in 1973. Since 1974, Bittner has concentrated increasingly on writing. He has written books for adults, young adults and children and has worked as a freelancer for numerous print media outlets (including Die Zeit, Frankfurter Rundschau and Neue Zürcher Zeitung), radio and television. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and he has received several literary awards. He lives as a freelance writer in Göttingen. Recently his book “Niemand soll hungern, ohne zu frieren” has been published by publishing house “zeitgeist”.

Source: https://voicefromrussia.ch/wolfgang-bittner-zur-sanktionierung-von-alina-lipp-und-thomas-roper-eine-solidarische-stellungnahme/, 27 May 2025

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Editorial comment

(CH-S) On 3 June, the Swiss Federal Council adopted the 17th EU sanctions package. It is unclear whether Switzerland has also adopted the sanctions against the two journalists. (On the one hand, SECO writes that all sanctioned persons have been added to the Swiss sanctions list, but on the other hand, Ms Lipp and Mr Röper are not on the list.)

Regarding the EU ban on the Russian news portals Russia Today and Sputnik, the Federal Council adhered to the principle of freedom of expression and information and considered the Swiss people to be mature enough to form their own opinions on different points of view. It remained of the opinion that “false and harmful statements should be countered with facts rather than banned”. In doing so, it also complied with Article 16 of the Swiss Federal Constitution (BV), which guarantees freedom of expression and information in Switzerland.

“Everyone has the right to receive information freely, to obtain it from generally accessible sources and to disseminate it freely” (Art. 16 para. 2). According to Art. 8 of the Swiss Constitution, foreigners also have the right not to be discriminated against based on their political convictions. Last but not least, Art. 17 of the Swiss Constitution stipulates that censorship is prohibited in Switzerland.

It is extremely disturbing that the principle of the rule of law was clearly not a criterion in the EU's decision to impose sanctions. For Switzerland, this is a fundamental principle of the Federal Constitution and guarantees that the actions of the state are bound by law. It protects the freedom of the individual from arbitrary state intervention and guarantees legal certainty, justice and respect for human dignity. According to Articles 29 and 30 of the Federal Constitution, everyone is entitled to a fair trial before they can be punished.

“Swiss Standpoint” therefore joins in the criticism of the sanctions against our colleagues Lipp and Röper and deplores the loud silence in the mainstream media on this unspeakable action by the EU.

It is to be hoped that our voters will recognise in good time the dangers of further rapprochement with the EU and NATO and that the majority will approve the popular initiative to preserve neutrality in the referendum expected in spring 2026. This would at least put a stop to the unspeakable and unlawful sanctions regime, at least for Switzerland.

(Translation “Swiss Standpoint”)