Government alleges media platform "Red" of spreading Russian propaganda
The media platform "Red." has found itself under scrutiny following allegations of facilitating "targeted division" propaganda and supporting violent protests. The platform, owned by Hüseyin Doğru, has been subject to EU sanctions, with an entry ban to the EU and frozen assets.
Hüseyin Doğru, the founder of Red/Afa Media registered in Turkey, has been sanctioned by the EU Council in June 2025 due to allegations related to the platform's coverage of Germany's pro-Palestine crackdown. The specific allegations against Red. and its founder include the coordination with occupiers of a German university during a violent protest, where Hamas symbols were used and images of vandalism were disseminated through Red.'s online channels.
Red. media has been noted for its in-depth and exclusive coverage of issues such as Israeli war crimes, Germany’s complicity, and Berlin’s crackdown on pro-Palestine activists. However, the EU Council’s sanctions claim that Red. "coordinated with the occupiers," which is viewed as supporting or enabling violence during the protest.
The German government has accused the media platform of intentionally fostering mistrust in facts, media, and democratic structures, and discrediting or portraying state structures as ineffective. The platform's operations from Turkey and its close personal and financial ties to the Russian state media RT have also raised concerns.
Reports of demonstrations with vandalism and the use of symbols of the Islamist Hamas have been made on the platform. The accusation is based on a comprehensive analysis by German security authorities. The action against Red. has led to contact with Turkish authorities.
The attribution of disinformation to Russia as the responsible party is aimed at raising awareness of the methods of manipulation. The attribution of responsibility for the activities of the platform is based on intelligence assessments. The federal government shares its findings with international partners and social media operators to further limit the platform's reach.
The goal of Red. is to deepen societal divisions on polarizing issues and covertly discredit Germany. The platform has focused on the Middle East conflict and criticism of Israel since October 2023, and its contents have spread massively, especially in the Arabic-speaking world. The federal government holds Russia responsible for disinformation spread through Red. and alleges that Russia is using platforms like Red. to weaken social cohesion in Germany and Europe.
- The EU Council's sanctions against Hüseyin Doğru and his media platform Red. stem from allegations that they supported violent protests, coordinated with occupiers, and potentially facilitated "targeted division" propaganda, which are issues typically discussed in politics and general-news, particularly in the context of crime-and-justice.
- Red. media's policies, including its community policy and employment policy, could relevantly outline their stance on these controversies and their approach to responsible journalism amidst the allegations of disinformation, mistrust in facts, and fostering societal divisions.
