Illiberal media? Part 5 in the series deconstructing “Black knight NGOs and international disinformation”

By Prof. Marcello Ferrada de Noli. Emeritus Professor of Epidemiology, esp. injury epidemiology, MED.DR. (Karolinska Institute, Sweden). Founder, Swedish Professors and Doctors for Human Rights (SWEDHR). Fmr. main affiliations: Karolinska Institutet, Dept clinical neuroscience & Dept social medicine; Harvard Medical School, Dept social medicine.

---

Authors Karina Shyrokykh and Martin Kragh [1] describe “Black knight NGOs” as organisations “with an illiberal outlook that engage in disinformation, that is, organisations that generate and disseminate content that aims to undermine the legitimacy of multilateral organisations, cast doubt on state institutions in Western democracies, or support the rhetoric of authoritarian states.”

As discussed in previous chapters in this series, the above “disinformation” task conducted by such NGO’s would intend, according to those authors, “to obfuscate and sow doubt about the integrity and intentions of mainstream Western journalists, state agencies, and multilateral organizations”. [4] And, the disinformation itself is then characterized as all what opposes or criticizes the narratives delivered by “Western journalists, state agencies, and multilateral organizations“.[5]

Before to deconstruct Shyrokykh’s & Krag’s arbitrary characterization of SWEDHR as “illiberal” and pro-authoritarian NGO, I will here give a most recent  example of these “narratives delivered by Western journalists, state agencies, and multilateral organizations“, mentioned above.

Coordinated disinformation

On January 15, 2025, Politico published an article with the headline “Russia plotted terror attacks on airlines around the world, Poland’s Tusk says”. [113] Swedish main newspaper, Dagens Nyheter (DN), published an article reproducing Politico’s headline with near identical text: “Poland: Russia planned air terror worldwide” (“Polen: Ryssland planerade flygterror världen över“) [114]

The subheading read: “In the past year, Russians have been singled out for a variety of acts such as cyberattacks, arson, and contamination of drinking water.” [114]

Poland’s Tusk declarations were made in conjunction of a meeting with Zelenskyy, it is informed.  One remarkable aspect in the above information (or disinformation) issued by Politico, DN and the Swedish state news agency TT, is the following:

“Anonymous information coming from intelligence services made it clear that suspicions were directed at Russia.” [116]

But now we know –because of recent revelations by the new US administration–  that Politico was in one or another way subsided by USAID –with the aim of producing such narratives.

Nevertheless, I will do here a breakdown of this typical case of actual disinformation conducted on the base of “anonymous sources”[Capital letters are mine]:

The original formulation in the DN piece:

“Anonymous INFORMATION coming from INTELLIGENCE SERVICES MADE IT CLEAR that the suspicions were directed at Russia. INFORMATION in AMERICAN media claimed last autumn that THE AUTHORITIES had DISCLOSED Russian plans to sabotage air traffic. According to THE NEW YORK TIMES sources, smaller packages that caught fire in European airports were only test balloons before a larger attack where explosives could be intended to be placed in passengers’ airplanes.” [114]

Which can also be read as:

ANONYMOUS information coming from intelligence services made it clear that the suspicions were directed at Russia. Information in American media CLAIMED last autumn that the authorities had disclosed Russian plans to sabotage air traffic. According to the New York Times SOURCES, smaller packages that caught fire in European airports WERE ONLY TEST balloons before a larger attack where explosives COULD BE [intended] to be placed in passengers’ airplanes.

Anonymous sources

One fundamental difference between the reports published in The Indicter, by SWEDHR –or even in @professorsblogg or @SWEDHR in social media– is that we do not use “anonymous sources”. [117] But traditional or stream media usually does it.

Just now while I am preparing this article, I became aware that a newspaper in Kiev had published,[118] sourced in Reuters –which in its time used anonymous sources– the news that Elon Musk should suspend the use of Starlink satellite communications system in the military operations of the Ukrainian armed forces. That, informed Kiev, as a manner to pressure the Zelenskyy government on demands put forward by the new US administration.

Immediately thereafter Swedish newspaper DN repeated the same information, adding:

“This is stated by three sources with insight into the negotiations to Reuters.” [120]

However, hours later the same day, Elon Musk declared on X that the above “information” was a plain invention, a lie. He also added that Reuters is second only to AP in those terms.

Up to this moment (3:48 AM in Stockholm 22 February 2025), one day after of its publication, DN has not issued a retraction of such “information”.

Would Shyrokykh and Kragh ever characterize those media as actors or instruments of “disinformation”? Despite recent (official) reports from the new US government affirm that USAID have financed activities of several media around the world, and of journalists, think tanks, etc. devised to spread the Deep State narrative – Kiyev-independent, Politico, and Reuters specifically named?

Illiberal media?

In  “Black knight NGOs and international disinformation”, Shyrokykh and Kragh postulate that SWEDHR, respectively The Indicter (our montly magazine on geopolitics and human rigts), are to be considered as “illiberal”.

However, the description of The Indicter magazine –not only based on what is declared in our presentations, [82][121] but also what is referred about us in online encyclopaedias [122] or in AI sites [123]– concur in stating that The Indicter aligns with liberal values instead illiberal ones.

For instance, responding to the simple question “Is The Indicter magazine’s editorial leaning liberal or illiberal?”, ChatGPT summarized (23 Feb 2025):

“The Indicter magazine’s editorial leaning is liberal, with a focus on human rights and geopolitical issues.”

And added:

The Indicter positions itself more in line with a liberal editorial focus, particularly emphasizing human rights, civil liberties, and international justice. The magazine’s criticism of Western policies should not necessarily be conflated with illiberalism; rather, it critiques specific actions by governments while upholding principles of human rights.

So, to clarify: The Indicter indeed leans liberal, with a particular focus on advocating for global human rights and justice, even though its views on specific geopolitical events may differ from mainstream narratives. [Capital letters by ChatGPT]” [123]

Context (provided by AI):

“The term “liberal” here refers to a commitment to human rights, individual freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law. A liberal, left-wing editorial line generally focuses on:

• • Advocating for human rightsand civil liberties.
  • Supporting democratic principleslike political pluralism and free expression.
  • Challenging state overreach(especially in terms of surveillance, privacy violations, and authoritarian control).
  • Defending vulnerable groups from abuses of power (including those perpetrated by states, corporations, and other powerful actors).

What “Illiberal” Means

As mentioned earlier, illiberal refers to a rejection or limitation of liberal democratic values. An illiberal movement or organization tends to undermine or restrict:

• • Political pluralism and free speech.
  • Civil liberties, such as the right to assemble, protest, or access information.
  • Checks and balances, and the independence of the judiciary.
  • The rule of law, with a tendency toward authoritarian or centralized control.

The Indicter’s Stated Mission

The Indicter’s focus on denouncing war crimes, human rights abuses, and state assaults on privacy and civil libertiesaligns directly with liberal values. The advocacy for human rights, privacy protections, and opposition to state repression is typical of liberal, progressive ideologies. These values advocate for a more open society, greater individual freedoms, and political accountability—all central tenets of liberalism.

Given that The Indicter is described as having a liberal to left-wing editorial line, and its mission includes defending civil liberties and human rights, it would not be considered illiberal. Instead, it reflects a commitment to defending liberal democratic values against authoritarian or oppressive actions, which is the opposite of illiberalism.” [Capital letters by ChatGPT] [124]

Furthermore, a paramount issue in the media production by SWEDHR, The Indicter (or @professorsboll on X), is the defence of freedom of speech. Countless articles and posts authored by these sites promote the observation of article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Click on image above for video

REFERENCES

1. Shyrokykh, Karina & Kragh, Martin: “Black knight NGOs and international disinformation”. European Security, 17 Dec 2024.
2. Id, page 3.
3. Id., page 9.
4. Id., page 4.
5. Id., Introduction.
6. Locke, John (1689), “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” (chapter ‘Of Wrong Assent, or Error’). Pauline Phemister ed., OUP Oxford, 2008. ISBN 9780199296620.
7. “SDHR” https://tinyurl.com/yex6z4p4  (Retrieved 30 Dec 2024)
8. “SWEDHR”  https://tinyurl.com/bdz6zx2b (Retrieved 30 Dec 2024)
9. Wikipedia, Swedish Professors & Doctors for Human Rights. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Doctors_for_Human_Rights (Retrieved 28 Dec 2024)
10. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 9.
11. Id., page 13.
12. See “The Indicter Geopolitical magazine”
13. Aikin, Scott & Casey, John (2023). “Straw Man Arguments. A Study in Fallacy Theory”, page 53. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 9781350284708.
14. Shyrokykh & Kragh, op. cit., page 9.
15. Id., page 8.
16. Ferrada de Noli, M. “White Helmets video: Swedish doctors for human rights denounce medical malpractice and macabre ‘misuse’ of children for propaganda aims”. The Indicter 6 March 2017. (Reference “2017b” in Karina & Kragh, op.cit.)
17. Walton, Douglas (1998). “Ad Hominem Arguments”. Page 2 in section “Abusive and Circumstantial”. University of Alabama Press. ISBN 978-0-8173-0922-0.
18. The Local (Sweden), “Solidarity brings hope: why Swedish support matters for us Ukrainians”, 2 March 2022
19. Karina Shyrokykh’s Linkedin post: “Support the 47th Brigade – Join Our Effort!” (Retrieved 28 December 2028)
20. Ferrada de Noli, M. “Poltava’s geopolitical aftermath and the warmongering of Swedish elites”. The Indicter, 24 March 2021.
21. Atlantic Council Portal
22. Ferrada de Noli, M., “Integrity Initiative scandal reaches Sweden amidst deceiving media debate on Martin Kragh”. The Indicter, 15 Mar 2019.
23. Ferrada de Noli, M., “Propaganda for war by proxy: Rebuttal to Martin Kragh’s flawed analysis in Swedish J Social Sciences 2020. Part 2: The falsehoods”.
24. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 9.
25. Id., page 7.
26. Id., page 8.
27. Id.
28. Ferrada de Noli M. “Sweden’s Extraordinary Renditions and Arbitrary Detentions”, The Indicter,   https://theindicter.com/extraordinary-renditions-and-arbitrary-detentions/
29. Ferrada de Noli M.  United Nations HR sanctioned Sweden for violating the UN’s Absolute Ban on Torture
30. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 8.
31. Chen, Jing (2016). “How petitions assist decentralized authoritarianism in China”. Lexington Books, New York. ISBN 9781498534529. Page 165.
32. Provisions on defamation – the crimes of defamation and insult – are found in chapter 5 in the Swedish criminal code.
33. “The Strawman fallacy is a logical fallacy that involves misrepresenting an opponent’s position in order to make it easier to attack.” In “Logical Fallacies –Strawman”.
34. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 10.
35. Id., page 12
36. Larson, Adam. Analysis of evidence contradicts allegations on Syrian gas attacks. The Indicter, 5 April 2017.
37. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 8.
38. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 9.
39. Id.
40. Id.
41. Ferrada de Noli M. “Fighting Pinochet”. Libertarian Books Europe, Stockholm, 2022.
42. Ferrada de Noli M. “Interference by journalists on sovereign opinions of professors, academics, and independent researchers, comprise infringements to Art 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights“. The Indicter, 7 Feb, 2020.
43. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 9.
44. Ferrada de Noli M., “How Sweden bribed its way to a seat in the UN Security Council using millions taken from the public budget for aid to poor countries”, The Indicter, 28 Dec 2026.
45. Epoch Times, “Platsen i FN:s säkerhetsråd kostade 27 miljoner”, 16 Jul 2027.
46. Swedish Professors and Doctors for Human Rights
47. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 3.
48. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op.cit., “Notes”, page 16. art name page “Notes”, page 16: “For reports on chemical attack denials by SWEDHR see …”
49. Martin Kragh has been repeating this unfounded allegation since many years, without proof, against Swedish scholars or journalists who would, for instance, question the benefit of the country’s membership in NATO. For this bizarre behaviour he has been reported several times. Including by me upon the Swedish Journal of Social Sciences. During proceedings of a report on Kragh labelled scientific misconduct presented at the University of Uppsala, he had to back on those accusations referred to victims of such libel. See my article “Propaganda for war by proxy: Rebuttal to Martin Kragh’s flawed analysis in Swedish J Social Sciences 2020. Part 2: The falsehoods”.
50. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 1.
51. Id., page 2.
52. Id., page 4.
53. Id.
54. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 2.

55. Id., page 2.
56. Larson, Adam. Refuting the Coda Story’s narrative on Swedish Doctors for Human Rights. The Indicter, 11 February 2020.

57. Ferrada de Noli, M. Interference by journalists on sovereign opinions of professors, academics, and independent researchers, comprise infringements to Art 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Chapter III: “The Coda Story narrative is conceptually identical to Huff Post’s. In which way are they connected?” The Indicter, 7 February 2020.
58. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coda_Media. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
59. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Endowment_for_Democracy. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
60. From Katarina Patin’s home page. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
61. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Free_Europe/Radio_Liberty. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
62. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op. cit., page 3.
63. Bencivenga, Ermanno (2007): “Ethics Vindicated. Kant’s Transcendental Legitimation of Moral Discourse. Oxford University Press, pages 168-169.
64. Upload by White Helmets under the name “Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib Province”, “ الدفاع المدني ادلب_سرمين:محاولة لأنقاذ الأطفال بعد اصابتهم بالغاز الكيماوي 26_3_2015”. YouTube video published 16 March 2015.
65. Id.

 

66. Logan N., “UN officials in tears watching video from alleged chlorine attack in Syria”. Global News, 17 April 2017.
67. Note: Leith (or Laith) Fares is repeatedly found in both Arab and Western news giving statements –from a variety of locations in Syria– to visiting Western journalists. For instance, while in the Human Rights Watch report Fares gives the notion of being present at the alleged event in Sarmin, in Arab News is given that Leith Fares is “a rescue worker in Ariha”, and that “(Fares) told AFP his team had pulled at least 20 wounded people out of the rubble.” ‘Laith Fares’ keeps also an uploading account in You Tube with anti-Syria propaganda videos, and on behalf of White Helmets political positions.
68. Ferrada de Noli, M. “White Helmets Movie: Updated Evidence From Swedish Doctors Confirm Fake ‘Lifesaving’ and Malpractices on Children“, The Indicter 17 March 2019.
69. Ferrada de Noli, M. “White Helmets Video: Swedish Doctors for Human Rights Denounce Medical Malpractice and Macabre ‘Misuse’ of Children for Propaganda Aims“. 6 March 2017.
70. Ferrada de Noli, M. “UN ‘Joint Investigative Mechanism’ report on Khan Shaykhun proven inaccurate, politically biased“, The Indicter, 18 November 2017.
71. Ferrada de Noli, “UOSSM admits that doctor reporting alleged Khan Shaykhun ‘aerial attack’ was not qualified to do that“, The Indicter, 29 April 2017.
72. Bianchi, Lorenzo. “Nessuna prova che sia stato Assad Anche i ribelli hanno armi chimiche –I dubbi dell’epidemiologo sul raid col gas: i conti non tornano“. Quotidiano Nazionale, Roma, 14 May 2017.
73. Bustani J. et. al., “Open Letter to Permanent Representatives of States Parties at OPCW” , Courage Foundation, 18 November 2019.
74. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op.cit., page 9.
75. Ferrada de Noli M. “Credibility in Publishing: Does ‘Perceived Legitimacy’ Outweigh Factual Accuracy?, The Indicter, 4 January 2025.
76. UN Security Council. V. N. Letter 30– 11– 2017 Annex Article By Prof. M. Ferrada de Noli – UNSC Doc S 2017 1010 N 1804349
77. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op.cit., page 9.
78. http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2017_848.pdf
79. United Nations Security Council meeting of 12 April 2017. Page 13.
80. Glosbe.com translation, “självgodhet“. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
81. Ferrada de Noli, M (2019), “Sweden VS. Assange. Human Rights Issues“. Part II “The Trial by Media”, Background A: The “Duck Pond”, pages 113–116.
82. Swedish Professors & Doctors for Human Rights, SWEDHR Foundation Manifest.
83. “Gasattacker förnekas med hjälp från svensk läkargrupp“, Dagens Nyheter (DN), 21 April 2017.
84. Ferrada de Noli M, “Reply to Dagens Nyheter assault on Swedish Doctors for Human Rights“, The Indicter 22 April 2017.
85. “I tv-inslagen säger han att det är troligt att rebeller ligger bakom kemgasattacker i Syrien.” Dagens Nyheter, id. 21 April 2017.
86. Marcello Ferrada de Noli talks with RT. Live interview, April 2017.
87. Cambridge Dictionary. “Credible“. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
88. Statements By Carla Del Ponte, Ex Chief Prosecutor UN Criminal Law Tribunals, on the use of chemical weapons by Syria “rebels” (opposed to the Assad government). Video interview.
89. Richard Hall, “UN’s Carla Del Ponte says there is evidence rebels ‘may have used sarin’ in Syria”, Independent, 6 May 2013.
90. Cambridge Dictionary. “Likely“. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
91. “ISIS Used Chemical Arms at Least 52 Times in Syria and Iraq, Report Says”. The New York Times, 21 November 2016.
92. “U.N. has testimony that Syrian rebels used sarin gas: investigator“, Reuters, 5 May 2013.
93. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op.cit., Note 8, page 16.
94. «Нет доказательств, которые можно обсуждать»: шведский врач о химатаке в Сирии (“There is no evidence that can be discussed”: a Swedish doctor about the chemical attack in Syria” – The head of SWEDHR spoke about the lack of evidence on the chemical attack), RT, 10 April 2017.
95. Robinson, Piers, “The corrupt politics of chemical weapons“, The American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 27 July 2023.
96. Postol, T. “Assessment of White House Intelligence Report About Nerve Agent Attack in Khan Shaykhun, Syria“, Global Research,18 November 2017.
97. Syria Needs a No-Fly Zone! A no-fly zone was Syrians’ earliest demand from the international community. http://www.sacouncil.com/syria_needs_a_no_fly_zone
98. Interview with the author, “NATO White Helmets Denounced by Swedish Doctors”. UK Column News. Published on Mar 8, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijcA3LCKCl0
99. Interview with the author, “De Hvide Hjelmes propaganda er farlig”. Arbeideren, Denmark, 26 April 2017. http://arbejderen.dk/udland/de-hvide-hjelmes-propaganda-er-farlig
100. Associazione di medici svedesi: “Attacco chimico in Siria è una fake news”. Oltre La Linea, Italy. http://www.oltrelalinea.news/2017/04/10/associazione-di-medici-svedesi-attacco-chimico-in-siria-e-una-fake-news/
101. Loveday M & Birnbaum M. “Syria has destroyed chemical weapons facilities, international inspectors say“. The Washington Post, 31 October 2013.
102. “U.S.-Approved Arms for Libya Rebels Fell Into Jihadis’ Hands”. The New York Times, 5 December 2012.
103. Seventh report of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (S/2017/904), 26 October 2017.
104. McKeigue Paul, Mason James, Robinson Piers, Miller Davis, “Le Mesurier: a reconstruction of his business activities and covert role“. Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media, 16 December 2019.
105. Ferrada de Noli M. “The OPCW report on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syrian East Ghouta“. The Indicter, 2 November 2019.
106. Shyrokykh, K & Kragh, M., op.cit., page 12.
107. Larson, Adam. “Analysis of evidence contradicts allegations on Syrian gas attacks“. Opinion article in The Indicter, 5 April 2017.
108. CNN, Mattis warns Syria against using chemical weapons. 2 February 2018.
109. REUTERS, U.S.’ Mattis says concerned about Syria’s potential use of sarin gas. 2 February 2018.
110. THE HILL, Mattis raises possibility of strike on Syria if regime uses sarin. 2 February 2018.
111. U.S. Department of Defense. “Transcript. Media Availability by Secretary Mattis at the Pentagon“. 2 February 2018. Note: There are reports that Jim Mattis would have said otherwise in some other opportunity, for instance in reference to previous administrations, etc. I only affirm that he did say the above at the opportunity reported by CNN, The Hill and Reuters, and according to the transcripts of the time. These two media have neither retracted the articles nor ‘corrected’ the information; their respective reports are still available online. In my interpretation, an eventual changing of his declaration communicated afterwards, would bring per se even more significance in the context of the efforts to legitimate the missile attacks on Syria. If it is proven that Mattis, in fact, never said what CNN transcribes, I am of course ready to put away that information.
112. Florence Parly : Le Service national universel doit être attractif pour les jeunes. Franceinter, 9 February 2018.  See also [English] video “France Defense Minister: No confirmation of chlorine attacks, Syria.” The Indicter Channel. YouTube, 9 February 2018.
113. “Russia plotted terror attacks on airlines around the world, Poland’s Tusk says –Polish PM makes bombshell accusation against Moscow“, Politico, 15 February 2025.
114. Marit Sundberg, “Polen: ”Ryssland planerade flygterror världen över“  DN, 15 January 2025.
115. Id. “Det senaste året har ryssarna pekats ut för en rad olika dåd som cyberattacker, mordbränder och kontaminering av dricksvatten.”
116. Id. “Anonyma uppgifter som kom från underrättelsetjänster gjorde klart att misstankarna riktades mot Ryssland”.
117. One exception would be the opinion of a medical doctor from the UK, who submitted voluntarily his assessment, but asked  his name not to be revealed. However, his opinion concurred with several others doctors whose names and professional whereabouts are clearly stated in the publication.
118. Abbey Ferbert, “US threatens to shut off Starlink if Ukraine won’t sign minerals deal, sources tell Reuters“, Kiyev Independent, 21 February 2025. NOTE: the article was updated 22 February 2025.
119. Svyatenko Tamara, “Reuters: USA threatens to deprive Ukraine of access to Starlink satellite internet“. 111ua, 21 February 2025
120. Hotar med nedstängning av Starlink: ”Hade inneburit resursdränering”, DN, 21 February 2025
121. “The Indicter Magazine watchword read from the start: WE DENOUNCE WAR CRIMES, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, & STATE ASSAULTS TO PRIVACY & CIVIL LIBERTIES”. From https://theindicter.com/editorial-board/, 2015.
122. The article “The Indicter” in Wikipedia (English) describes: “Its editorial line is liberal to left-wing”.
123. ChatGPT 23 Feb 2024.
124. ChatGPT 22 Dec 2024.