RT’s Bank Accounts Blocked In The UK; Russia Foreign Ministry Slams RBS’ Decision
by Tyler Durden
Oct 17, 2016 7:26 AM
While we have yet to get an update from Wikileaks on the status of Julian Assange’s internet connection at the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK, which as reported overnight was allegedly “severed” by an unknown “state party”, moments ago Russia’s RT (originally Russia Today), a television network and website funded by the Russian government, has allegedly seen its bank accounts blocked by the UK, according to a tweet posted moments ago by the station’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan.
“Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All Accounts. ‘The decision is not subject to revision’. Long live freedom of speech!” Simonyan said in a Twitter post, suggesting that the move stifles free speech.
According to RT, its The National Westminster Bank has informed RT UK that it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients. “The bank provided no explanation for the decision.”
“We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities,” NatWest said in a letter to RT’s London office. The bank said that the entire Royal Bank of Scotland Group, of which NatWest is part of, would refuse to service RT.
The letter said the decision was final and that it is “not prepared to enter into any discussion in relation to it.”
Commenting on the development, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said it indicated that “Britain on its way out of the EU abandoned all its commitments to protect the freedom of speech.”
Anonymous
October 17, 2016 8:45 am
Just keep pokin’ the bear, maybe it really is dead and not just asleep.
We should find out soon.
susanna
October 17, 2016 10:37 am
FYI: We say “outfits”….Europeans say “costumes.”
Meanwhile, I am going long blue.
RT’s Bank Accounts Blocked In The UK; Russia Foreign Ministry Slams RBS’ Decision
by Tyler Durden
Oct 17, 2016 7:26 AM
While we have yet to get an update from Wikileaks on the status of Julian Assange’s internet connection at the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK, which as reported overnight was allegedly “severed” by an unknown “state party”, moments ago Russia’s RT (originally Russia Today), a television network and website funded by the Russian government, has allegedly seen its bank accounts blocked by the UK, according to a tweet posted moments ago by the station’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan.
“Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All Accounts. ‘The decision is not subject to revision’. Long live freedom of speech!” Simonyan said in a Twitter post, suggesting that the move stifles free speech.
According to RT, its The National Westminster Bank has informed RT UK that it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients. “The bank provided no explanation for the decision.”
“We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities,” NatWest said in a letter to RT’s London office. The bank said that the entire Royal Bank of Scotland Group, of which NatWest is part of, would refuse to service RT.
The letter said the decision was final and that it is “not prepared to enter into any discussion in relation to it.”
Commenting on the development, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said it indicated that “Britain on its way out of the EU abandoned all its commitments to protect the freedom of speech.”
Just keep pokin’ the bear, maybe it really is dead and not just asleep.
We should find out soon.
FYI: We say “outfits”….Europeans say “costumes.”
Meanwhile, I am going long blue.