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US senators say Al Jazeera is a ‘foreign agent’ and ‘public has a right to know’
Top US lawmakers signed a formal letter calling on the US Department of Justice to list the Al Jazeera Media Network as a “foreign agent” for its content that promotes the policies of the state of Qatar, including its support for the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.
“Qatar’s officials have said that government-controlled media is a form of “soft power.” As such, one can reasonably infer that Al Jazeera is a messaging tool for the Qatari government, and, on its behalf, has engaged in inherently political activities and sought to influence public opinion in the United States,” the June 18 letter read.
If the Qatari news network is listed as a “foreign agent” under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) enacted in 1938, it would be required to publicly disclose its relations with a foreign principal, as well as all receipts and disbursements.
The US requires all agencies, individuals and organizations controlled or funded by international governments to be registered under FARA to restrict the spreading of propaganda in the US.
The lawmakers, which include US Senator Ted Cruz, said that the network is an “agent of the Qatari government.” Among the slew of accusations cited in the letter, the lawmakers stated that Qatar’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood is clearly demonstrated on the platforms of Al Jazeera, who reportedly feature the organization in a moderate light and describe it as one that can “foster regional stability.”
