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How to fight information war with Russia
What does the Russian propaganda war mean for Ukraine and the world? How do you fight it? Experts from the United States, Britain and Ukraine attempted to answer these and other questions at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference. Below are some of the highlights from their talks.
Macon Phillips, Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs at the U. S. Department of State and Ariel Cohen, Director of Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security discuss Russian information wars in Kyiv on Nov. 19 at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference. © Anastasia Vlasova
Macon Phillips, Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs at the U. S. Department of State and Ariel Cohen, Director of Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security discuss Russian information wars in Kyiv on Nov. 19 at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference.
Macon Phillips, coordinator of Bureau of International Information Programs at the U.S. Department of State
“Russia, the Kremlin push a lot of disinformation and you nearly want to argue about every individual piece of information, why it’s right or wrong. … We need to do more in terms of response. We need to actually protect the open system of media that is by far the best way to respond to these things.”
“The most effective way to counter the information war here in Ukraine is for Ukraine to succeed. We can spend all of our time trying to respond to this or that. But ultimate reality is going to drive that. If the Ukrainian government continues to implement reforms, continues to move forward, continues to sustain itself, eventually the reality will reach everyone.”
“The best way to respond to misinformation is with the truth. But the truth is a difficult thing to talk about.”
Dmytro Kuleba, Ambassador-at-Large for Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
“Russian information aggression is a threat not only to Ukraine but to all democracies. … The only difference is that Ukraine is in the front line.”
“What Russians are doing is not information attacks or information campaigns or information operations. They created a comprehensive reality encompassing all aspects of their interests. When you have to confront reality you have to create your own reality.”
“Russian information machine is built on fakes and manipulation, so if we want to win this game we have to focus on credibility.”
“It’s about changing communication culture inside the Ukrainian government. For example, minister of defense is key here. And we are working to change the communication culture to become more available for media. This is critical.”
“Russian strategy is based on the use of weapons of mass destruction. By this I mean Russia Today, Sputnik, army of trolls, bots, proxies, paid commentators. We base our strategy on something completely different, we base it on opinion leaders. I call them precision weapons. What cannot be done by us, can be done by opinion leaders in their countries. They can help us to disseminate the message. All we have to do is make them trust. They need to have trust in us.”
Ariel Cohen, director of the Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security
“We believe that Ukraine can make it as a European, free, Western-minded country. So does Vladimir Putin. And he is scared of that because an alternative Slavic, Eastern Slavic, Orthodox, half-of-the-country Russian-speaking country next to Russia is something they cannot tolerate. And information warfare is a very-very important part of the fight that has been launched.”
“To me Ukraine is now fighting its war for independence. This is where the United States was in 1776, where Israel was in 1948. This is creation of a nation. A part of it is an understanding that information is one of the battle fields, it’s an integral part of the strategy, of the war fighting.”
“To answer your question about Ukraine, what this is going to be in terms of the information campaign or information warfare, there is a famous quote from the cult novel of the Soviet times “The Twelve Chairs”: ”Saving of those who sink is the matter for those who sink themselves.” So, it will be up for Ukraine.”
Timothy Ash, London-based head of emerging market research for Standard Bank
“Over twenty years Russian interests infiltrated the West.”
“To know your enemy is key. The Russian state knows exactly how West functions because they infiltrated business, banking, academia, journalism, politics in the West. … The infiltration of Russian interests in the West is a huge threat to Western values and Western civilization. … The weaknesses of European Union is certainly been exploited.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for radical change. Countries very really get this opportunity. Crises create opportunities, they force change. Ukraine is in desperate need of deep structural change. Putin has done a huge favor by uniting the population around this concept of European values. There is the price, but the fighting for democracy and freedom is worth it.”
Paul Niland, managing director of PAN Publishing
“The Russian media is acting to continue this fight to encourage people as volunteers to come and to kill people in the east of Ukraine. And for that reason my conclusion is that the Kremlin is directly responsible for all those deaths. They are directing media campaign, they are responsible.”
“The second conclusion is as long as Russia’s media campaign against Ukraine continues we can expect the hot war continue as well. They go hand in hand one to support the other.”
What does the Russian propaganda war mean for Ukraine and the world? How do you fight it? Experts from the United States, Britain and Ukraine attempted to answer these and other questions at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference. Below are some of the highlights from their talks.
Macon Phillips, Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs at the U. S. Department of State and Ariel Cohen, Director of Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security discuss Russian information wars in Kyiv on Nov. 19 at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference. © Anastasia Vlasova
Macon Phillips, Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs at the U. S. Department of State and Ariel Cohen, Director of Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security discuss Russian information wars in Kyiv on Nov. 19 at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference.
Macon Phillips, coordinator of Bureau of International Information Programs at the U.S. Department of State
“Russia, the Kremlin push a lot of disinformation and you nearly want to argue about every individual piece of information, why it’s right or wrong. … We need to do more in terms of response. We need to actually protect the open system of media that is by far the best way to respond to these things.”
“The most effective way to counter the information war here in Ukraine is for Ukraine to succeed. We can spend all of our time trying to respond to this or that. But ultimate reality is going to drive that. If the Ukrainian government continues to implement reforms, continues to move forward, continues to sustain itself, eventually the reality will reach everyone.”
“The best way to respond to misinformation is with the truth. But the truth is a difficult thing to talk about.”
Dmytro Kuleba, Ambassador-at-Large for Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
“Russian information aggression is a threat not only to Ukraine but to all democracies. … The only difference is that Ukraine is in the front line.”
“What Russians are doing is not information attacks or information campaigns or information operations. They created a comprehensive reality encompassing all aspects of their interests. When you have to confront reality you have to create your own reality.”
“Russian information machine is built on fakes and manipulation, so if we want to win this game we have to focus on credibility.”
“It’s about changing communication culture inside the Ukrainian government. For example, minister of defense is key here. And we are working to change the communication culture to become more available for media. This is critical.”
“Russian strategy is based on the use of weapons of mass destruction. By this I mean Russia Today, Sputnik, army of trolls, bots, proxies, paid commentators. We base our strategy on something completely different, we base it on opinion leaders. I call them precision weapons. What cannot be done by us, can be done by opinion leaders in their countries. They can help us to disseminate the message. All we have to do is make them trust. They need to have trust in us.”
Ariel Cohen, director of the Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security
“We believe that Ukraine can make it as a European, free, Western-minded country. So does Vladimir Putin. And he is scared of that because an alternative Slavic, Eastern Slavic, Orthodox, half-of-the-country Russian-speaking country next to Russia is something they cannot tolerate. And information warfare is a very-very important part of the fight that has been launched.”
“To me Ukraine is now fighting its war for independence. This is where the United States was in 1776, where Israel was in 1948. This is creation of a nation. A part of it is an understanding that information is one of the battle fields, it’s an integral part of the strategy, of the war fighting.”
“To answer your question about Ukraine, what this is going to be in terms of the information campaign or information warfare, there is a famous quote from the cult novel of the Soviet times “The Twelve Chairs”: ”Saving of those who sink is the matter for those who sink themselves.” So, it will be up for Ukraine.”
Timothy Ash, London-based head of emerging market research for Standard Bank
“Over twenty years Russian interests infiltrated the West.”
“To know your enemy is key. The Russian state knows exactly how West functions because they infiltrated business, banking, academia, journalism, politics in the West. … The infiltration of Russian interests in the West is a huge threat to Western values and Western civilization. … The weaknesses of European Union is certainly been exploited.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for radical change. Countries very really get this opportunity. Crises create opportunities, they force change. Ukraine is in desperate need of deep structural change. Putin has done a huge favor by uniting the population around this concept of European values. There is the price, but the fighting for democracy and freedom is worth it.”
Paul Niland, managing director of PAN Publishing
“The Russian media is acting to continue this fight to encourage people as volunteers to come and to kill people in the east of Ukraine. And for that reason my conclusion is that the Kremlin is directly responsible for all those deaths. They are directing media campaign, they are responsible.”
“The second conclusion is as long as Russia’s media campaign against Ukraine continues we can expect the hot war continue as well. They go hand in hand one to support the other.”
How to deal with a propagandist
Spanners need to be thrown into Russia’s lie-machine – but how?
The British humourist PG Wodehouse made five light-hearted radio broadcasts about his life during internment under the Nazis; he faced only social censure, and lived abroad ever after. The Mussolini-loving crackpot American poet Ezra Pound fared worse. He was arrested for treason after the war. “Lord Haw-Haw” (William Joyce) was hanged – wrongly, as he was from neutral Ireland – for being the voice of Hitler’s English-language radio.
The dilemma now is how to apply pressure to those who help the Putin regime use information as a weapon. The Kremlin is shovelling money into a new propaganda outfit called Sputnik, to complement the venomously anti-Western RT (formerly Russia Today). What do you do if, for example, you are asked to appear on one of these channels?
If it is a pre-recorded programme, just say no. Any benefit from contesting disinformation is outweighed by the downside: stoking the illusion that these outlets are engaged in real journalism. They are not: they peddle falsehoods which serve a murderous, thieving, warmongering regime.
On a live programme, there is another option: sabotage. In 2013, the American journalist Jamie Kirchik memorably donned rainbow ‘gay pride’ braces (suspenders, in American English) when he ambushed RT. He ignored the supposed subject of the show: the sentencing of Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning for passing secrets to WikiLeaks. Instead he berated Russia for its brutality towards gays and asked the presenters of the show how they could sleep at night given their shameful collusion with the regime.
I think that is brave but too risky. The channel can cite such appearances as a sign of its fair-mindedness. And to the casual viewer, the rights and wrongs of a television spat are not always obvious – the guest who interrupts the host and refuses to stick to the topic can seem boorish, not heroic.
A demonstrator walks down Kurfuerstendamm and protests against Russia's new anti-gay propaganda law with a T-shirt of Russian President Vladimir Putin reading 'Stop Homophobia!' in Berlin, Germany, 31 August 2013. Several thousand people attended the demonstration under the motto 'Enough is Enough - Stop Homophobia', which lead from Kurfurstendamm to the Russian embassy. EPA/FLORIAN SCHUH
A demonstrator walks down Kurfuerstendamm and protests against Russia’s new anti-gay propaganda law with a T-shirt of Russian President Vladimir Putin reading ‘Stop Homophobia!’ in Berlin, Germany, 31 August 2013. Several thousand people attended the demonstration under the motto ‘Enough is Enough – Stop Homophobia’, which lead from Kurfurstendamm to the Russian embassy. EPA/FLORIAN SCHUH
It is tempting to shun all contact with anyone from the lie-machine. But where to draw the line? What about debating with Kremlin stooges when they appear in media outlets in the West? If their most formidable critics hold back on principle, they will get an easier ride.
These worries are not confined to Russia. Reputable historians of the Holocaust do not generally take part in debates with the cranks who believe that it never happened. Similarly, Richard Dawkins, the great evolutionary biologist, refuses to debate publicly with creationists. The deniers claim persecution, which strengthens their case. But bestowing legitimacy would strengthen it even more.
In the messy Russian media world, distinctions are particularly hard to draw. Masha Gessen (disclosure: a friend) recently walked out of a pre-recorded discussion on American radio in protest at the inclusion of Anna Arutunyan, another Russian writer whom she counts as part of the Kremlin’s propaganda effort. But others – including respectable commentators – thought that was wrong. At what point in the past 20 years of decline did it become irredeemably disgraceful to work for a state-financed, or state-linked outlet? Gessen herself once edited a popular geographical monthly that had a board of trustees headed by Vladimir Putin. No easy answers there.
The sharpest questions are for Western media bosses. I think anyone who works for Sputnik or RT disqualifies themselves from reputable employment in future. Many would think this too harsh; I think that principle is essential. Similarly, editors who would find the very idea of a ‘balanced’ debate on rape, race or homosexuality offensive still treat the Kremlin viewpoint as legitimate. They also expect broadcasting contributors to behave civilly.
Not any more. For my part, when I am next on air with a Kremlin propagandist, I will point this out – as rudely as necessary.
stopfake.org
Spanners need to be thrown into Russia’s lie-machine – but how?
The British humourist PG Wodehouse made five light-hearted radio broadcasts about his life during internment under the Nazis; he faced only social censure, and lived abroad ever after. The Mussolini-loving crackpot American poet Ezra Pound fared worse. He was arrested for treason after the war. “Lord Haw-Haw” (William Joyce) was hanged – wrongly, as he was from neutral Ireland – for being the voice of Hitler’s English-language radio.
The dilemma now is how to apply pressure to those who help the Putin regime use information as a weapon. The Kremlin is shovelling money into a new propaganda outfit called Sputnik, to complement the venomously anti-Western RT (formerly Russia Today). What do you do if, for example, you are asked to appear on one of these channels?
If it is a pre-recorded programme, just say no. Any benefit from contesting disinformation is outweighed by the downside: stoking the illusion that these outlets are engaged in real journalism. They are not: they peddle falsehoods which serve a murderous, thieving, warmongering regime.
On a live programme, there is another option: sabotage. In 2013, the American journalist Jamie Kirchik memorably donned rainbow ‘gay pride’ braces (suspenders, in American English) when he ambushed RT. He ignored the supposed subject of the show: the sentencing of Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning for passing secrets to WikiLeaks. Instead he berated Russia for its brutality towards gays and asked the presenters of the show how they could sleep at night given their shameful collusion with the regime.
I think that is brave but too risky. The channel can cite such appearances as a sign of its fair-mindedness. And to the casual viewer, the rights and wrongs of a television spat are not always obvious – the guest who interrupts the host and refuses to stick to the topic can seem boorish, not heroic.
A demonstrator walks down Kurfuerstendamm and protests against Russia's new anti-gay propaganda law with a T-shirt of Russian President Vladimir Putin reading 'Stop Homophobia!' in Berlin, Germany, 31 August 2013. Several thousand people attended the demonstration under the motto 'Enough is Enough - Stop Homophobia', which lead from Kurfurstendamm to the Russian embassy. EPA/FLORIAN SCHUH
A demonstrator walks down Kurfuerstendamm and protests against Russia’s new anti-gay propaganda law with a T-shirt of Russian President Vladimir Putin reading ‘Stop Homophobia!’ in Berlin, Germany, 31 August 2013. Several thousand people attended the demonstration under the motto ‘Enough is Enough – Stop Homophobia’, which lead from Kurfurstendamm to the Russian embassy. EPA/FLORIAN SCHUH
It is tempting to shun all contact with anyone from the lie-machine. But where to draw the line? What about debating with Kremlin stooges when they appear in media outlets in the West? If their most formidable critics hold back on principle, they will get an easier ride.
These worries are not confined to Russia. Reputable historians of the Holocaust do not generally take part in debates with the cranks who believe that it never happened. Similarly, Richard Dawkins, the great evolutionary biologist, refuses to debate publicly with creationists. The deniers claim persecution, which strengthens their case. But bestowing legitimacy would strengthen it even more.
In the messy Russian media world, distinctions are particularly hard to draw. Masha Gessen (disclosure: a friend) recently walked out of a pre-recorded discussion on American radio in protest at the inclusion of Anna Arutunyan, another Russian writer whom she counts as part of the Kremlin’s propaganda effort. But others – including respectable commentators – thought that was wrong. At what point in the past 20 years of decline did it become irredeemably disgraceful to work for a state-financed, or state-linked outlet? Gessen herself once edited a popular geographical monthly that had a board of trustees headed by Vladimir Putin. No easy answers there.
The sharpest questions are for Western media bosses. I think anyone who works for Sputnik or RT disqualifies themselves from reputable employment in future. Many would think this too harsh; I think that principle is essential. Similarly, editors who would find the very idea of a ‘balanced’ debate on rape, race or homosexuality offensive still treat the Kremlin viewpoint as legitimate. They also expect broadcasting contributors to behave civilly.
Not any more. For my part, when I am next on air with a Kremlin propagandist, I will point this out – as rudely as necessary.
stopfake.org
So basically here is explained how the western propaganda machine works.
Interesting....
Interesting....
Opening the Gates to World War III
http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2014/11/23/opening-gates-world-war-iii-paul-craig-roberts/
Washington decided supply Ukraine with new weapons to start new attack on Doneck and Lugansk.
Paul Craig Roberts
Institute for Political Economy
I had to remind that pro-russia separatists made cease-fire with Ukraine coup government, so USA is trying to start new war there inspite of the fact that both sides there want peace. Is it not shameful ??
http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2014/11/23/opening-gates-world-war-iii-paul-craig-roberts/
Washington decided supply Ukraine with new weapons to start new attack on Doneck and Lugansk.
Paul Craig Roberts
Institute for Political Economy
I had to remind that pro-russia separatists made cease-fire with Ukraine coup government, so USA is trying to start new war there inspite of the fact that both sides there want peace. Is it not shameful ??
MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/.
The US authorities are demonstrating sham care for protesters in foreign countries but do not stop short of using force to crack down on internal protests, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday, commenting on riots in Ferguson, Missouri.
“The actions of the US authorities are leaving no doubt that they have placed their stake on the use of force against demonstrators protesting against police abuse and a clearly racist crime that was left unpunished. The National Guard units and military hardware have entered the city. Police are indiscriminately using special means, including tear gas, against the protesters,” Lukashevich said, adding that detentions and arrests had become common.
Russia is closely following the events in Ferguson and other US cities and would like to remind the American side of the need to strictly comply with its commitment to guarantee democratic standards and civil liberties, Lukashevich said.
------------
Such a not democratic and aggressive attitude of US gov to civil protests are unacceptable for EU or Russia. What is your opinion on US way of suppression of the revolt in Ferguson ?
The US authorities are demonstrating sham care for protesters in foreign countries but do not stop short of using force to crack down on internal protests, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday, commenting on riots in Ferguson, Missouri.
“The actions of the US authorities are leaving no doubt that they have placed their stake on the use of force against demonstrators protesting against police abuse and a clearly racist crime that was left unpunished. The National Guard units and military hardware have entered the city. Police are indiscriminately using special means, including tear gas, against the protesters,” Lukashevich said, adding that detentions and arrests had become common.
Russia is closely following the events in Ferguson and other US cities and would like to remind the American side of the need to strictly comply with its commitment to guarantee democratic standards and civil liberties, Lukashevich said.
------------
Such a not democratic and aggressive attitude of US gov to civil protests are unacceptable for EU or Russia. What is your opinion on US way of suppression of the revolt in Ferguson ?
In my opinion, it's outrageous. Using tear gas? Damn, they should've used AK-47's. These yanks cannot into iron curtain...
lol indeed :P How sorry will they be if that would really happen.
one big shameful true is now confirmed by australian office....
https://twitter.com/AndreyPanevin/status/538831300841316352/photo/1
IMHO, this is prove that they now who shot that plane down, they just have a deal that nobody will speak about it.
https://twitter.com/AndreyPanevin/status/538831300841316352/photo/1
IMHO, this is prove that they now who shot that plane down, they just have a deal that nobody will speak about it.
Ferguson shooting: Darren Wilson quits police force
Darren Wilson undergoing a medical examination after the shooting (undated) Darren Wilson insists he acted in accordance with the law
The white police officer who fatally shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in the US town of Ferguson has resigned, his lawyer says.
Darren Wilson, who had been on administrative leave since the killing, told a newspaper he did not want to put the lives of police colleagues at risk.
Resigning was, he said, the "hardest thing" he had ever had to do.
Rioting rocked Ferguson and other towns this week after a jury decided he should not be charged over the killing.
The BBC's Washington correspondent, Tom Esslemont, says that to many in Ferguson, it was only a matter of time before Mr Wilson resigned.
His lawyer said his resignation was effective immediately.
The 9 August shooting in the St Louis suburb and the decision not to charge Mr Wilson triggered a nationwide debate over relations between black communities and law enforcement.
'Safety paramount'
The St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper said Mr Wilson, 28, had decided to step down after his police department received threats of violence if he stayed on as an employee.
An undated family snapshot of Michael Brown
Demonstrators flooded on to the streets of Ferguson after the grand jury verdict, with several buildings set alight
The newspaper published what it said was his resignation letter, which read: "I have been told that my continued employment may put the residents and police officers of the City of Ferguson at risk, which is a circumstance that I cannot allow.
"For obvious reasons, I wanted to wait until the grand jury made their decision before I officially made my decision to resign.
"It was my hope to continue in police work, but the safety of other police officers and the community are of paramount importance to me. It is my hope that my resignation will allow the community to heal."
In a subsequent telephone interview on Saturday evening, the paper quoted Mr Wilson as saying: "I'm resigning of my own free will. I'm not willing to let someone else get hurt because of me."
Family 'crushed'
Earlier this week, Mr Wilson told US media that before the shooting, Mr Brown had pushed him into his police car, hit him and grabbed at his drawn gun, and he said that he felt "like a five-year-old holding on to [US wrestler] Hulk Hogan".
The policeman said he had feared for his life.
Officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed Michael Brown: "I know I did my job right"
Mr Brown's supporters said the teenager was attempting to surrender when he was shot. Some witnesses said the 18-year-old, who was unarmed, had his hands up.
Many in the African-American community had called for Mr Wilson to be charged with murder, but after three months of deliberation a Missouri grand jury - of nine white and three black members - made no recommendation of charges.
The family of Mr Brown have said they felt "crushed" by the decision.
The state prosecutor said physical evidence had contradicted some of the witness statements.
The decision means Mr Wilson will not face state criminal charges over the shooting. However, the US justice department has launched a federal investigation into whether Mr Wilson violated Mr Brown's civil rights.
The scene of the shooting
Darren Wilson undergoing a medical examination after the shooting (undated) Darren Wilson insists he acted in accordance with the law
The white police officer who fatally shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in the US town of Ferguson has resigned, his lawyer says.
Darren Wilson, who had been on administrative leave since the killing, told a newspaper he did not want to put the lives of police colleagues at risk.
Resigning was, he said, the "hardest thing" he had ever had to do.
Rioting rocked Ferguson and other towns this week after a jury decided he should not be charged over the killing.
The BBC's Washington correspondent, Tom Esslemont, says that to many in Ferguson, it was only a matter of time before Mr Wilson resigned.
His lawyer said his resignation was effective immediately.
The 9 August shooting in the St Louis suburb and the decision not to charge Mr Wilson triggered a nationwide debate over relations between black communities and law enforcement.
'Safety paramount'
The St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper said Mr Wilson, 28, had decided to step down after his police department received threats of violence if he stayed on as an employee.
An undated family snapshot of Michael Brown
Demonstrators flooded on to the streets of Ferguson after the grand jury verdict, with several buildings set alight
The newspaper published what it said was his resignation letter, which read: "I have been told that my continued employment may put the residents and police officers of the City of Ferguson at risk, which is a circumstance that I cannot allow.
"For obvious reasons, I wanted to wait until the grand jury made their decision before I officially made my decision to resign.
"It was my hope to continue in police work, but the safety of other police officers and the community are of paramount importance to me. It is my hope that my resignation will allow the community to heal."
In a subsequent telephone interview on Saturday evening, the paper quoted Mr Wilson as saying: "I'm resigning of my own free will. I'm not willing to let someone else get hurt because of me."
Family 'crushed'
Earlier this week, Mr Wilson told US media that before the shooting, Mr Brown had pushed him into his police car, hit him and grabbed at his drawn gun, and he said that he felt "like a five-year-old holding on to [US wrestler] Hulk Hogan".
The policeman said he had feared for his life.
Officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed Michael Brown: "I know I did my job right"
Mr Brown's supporters said the teenager was attempting to surrender when he was shot. Some witnesses said the 18-year-old, who was unarmed, had his hands up.
Many in the African-American community had called for Mr Wilson to be charged with murder, but after three months of deliberation a Missouri grand jury - of nine white and three black members - made no recommendation of charges.
The family of Mr Brown have said they felt "crushed" by the decision.
The state prosecutor said physical evidence had contradicted some of the witness statements.
The decision means Mr Wilson will not face state criminal charges over the shooting. However, the US justice department has launched a federal investigation into whether Mr Wilson violated Mr Brown's civil rights.
The scene of the shooting
World Cup 2018 & 2022: More bidding process corruption claims
More allegations of corruption during the bidding process to stage the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 have been made.
The House of Commons Culture Media and Sport select committee has published previously unseen material submitted to it by the Sunday Times newspaper.
It draws on claims by senior sources that officials connected to England's bid for the 2018 World Cup ran an intelligence-gathering operation against rival nations.
Russia and Qatar won the bids.
This submission by the Sunday Times outlines how England 2018 executives compiled a database of rumours and intelligence - gathered by private companies and, significantly, British embassies.
There is, however, no clear evidence supplied by the paper.
Instead, its submission provides detailed accounts of how votes were allegedly bought and sold in the build-up to the December 2010 poll - and how Fifa's opaque rules for bidding nations were exploited.
The paper claims Russia's President Vladimir Putin played a major role in his country's winning bid, even, it says, enlisting Fifa's president Sepp Blatter to help lobby for votes.
Another claim suggests the Russia bid had lobbied for the support of Michel Platini - the Uefa president and voter - by giving him a painting believed to have been a Picasso.
There are also allegations about Qatar, and how its dominance in the natural gas industry helped it secure votes through bilateral trade deals.
Russia, the 2018 World Cup hosts, and Qatar, who will hold the 2022 tournament, have always denied any wrongdoing, and a recent, albeit disputed, summary of a Fifa inquiry cleared them.
The Football Association said in a statement: "The FA can confirm the England 2018 bid engaged with a number of parties around the world to provide general and background information on the progress of the bidding process within different countries and perspectives.
"These were media and corporate affairs consultants engaged on a confidential basis to gather intelligence.
"The fact the bid team had taken advice on intelligence gathering was referenced to Mr Garcia [Michael Garcia conducted a two-year inquiry into alleged corruption within Fifa] as part of the investigative process.
"The FA reiterates that it has fully complied with all disclosure requests made by Mr Garcia."
Culture Media and Sport select committee chairman John Whittingdale MP has told BBC Sport that, in light of the Sunday Times submission, he would like to hear from FA executives to ascertain if the 'database' exists and, if so, for them to outline its contents.
Fifa corruption: Franz Beckenbauer and three executive committee members face probe
German legend joins Angel Maria Villar Llona, Michel D'Hooghe and Worawi Makudi in being investigated by world governing body
In the spotlight: Franz Beckenbauer is one of four men - along with Angel Maria Villar Llona, Worawi Makudi and Michel D’Hooghe - being probed by Fifa Photo: REUTERS
Franz Beckenbauer and three current Fifa executives were facing disciplinary action as a result of its World Cup corruption inquiry on Thursday after it emerged they were being investigated for alleged breaches of its code of ethics.
Vice-president Angel Maria Villar Llona of Spain, Worawi Makudi from Thailand and Michel D’Hooghe from Belgium were among the names being looked at by Fifa’s chief investigator, according to sources close to the world governing body. Former executive committee member Beckenbauer, who remains involved in football, was also under investigation by American attorney Michael J Garcia.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Harold Mayne-Nicholls from Chile, who headed the inspection team which compiled reports into the countries bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, is being probed as well.
But it appears Fifa president Sepp Blatter and Uefa counterpart Michel Platini – the latter having voted for Qatar 2022 – are in the clear.
Last week, Garcia announced “a number of individuals” have had formal cases opened against them.
The grounds for investigating the three current executives and Germany legend Beckenbauer have yet to be made public, with none of them named in the summary of Garcia’s inquiry released two weeks ago.
But Villar Llona could face action for the fact that one of the federations involved in the Spain-Portugal bid for the 2018 tournament was deemed by the summary to have been “particularly uncooperative”.
That 42-page report also contains allegations of vote-swapping between their bid team – led by Villar Llona – and that of Qatar 2022, which Blatter has previously confirmed took place.
And it mentions two existing executive committee members who took part in the ballot who “initially refused to be interviewed” by Garcia.
Makudi, meanwhile, could be probed over his involvement in a gas deal between his country and Qatar shortly before the vote in 2010.
He was also accused by former England 2018 bid chairman Lord Triesman of demanding television rights to a friendly between England and Thailand in return for his vote.
He unsuccessfully attempted to sue Triesman over the allegation, which was made under Parliamentary privilege.
D’Hooghe admitted in August 2011 that he accepted an expensive painting from an adviser to Russia’s successful 2018 World Cup bid, something he has since branded a “poisonous gift”.
He told Telegraph Sport on Thursday that he was not expecting to be sanctioned by Garcia after responding to questions from the investigator.
“I have given all the necessary correct answers and suppose my case is closed,” he said.
Beckenbauer could face action over his links with Qatar – he has denied being offered any bribe to vote for them of Russia – or even his initial refusal to co-operate with Garcia, which saw him provisionally suspended from football.
The revelation of the names of those executives under investigation may make it easier for Fifa to give an almost complete version of Garcia’s 430-page report to its executive committee at its next meeting in Morocco next month.
How much of the document Blatter and his fellow executives get to see will be decided by the chairman of Fifa’s audit and compliance committee, Domenico Scala, after Garcia and Fifa’s head judge, Hans-Joachim Eckert, failed to agree on what should be released.
The summary of Garcia’s report, written by Eckert, found that the American’s inquiry did not unearth enough evidence to warrant stripping Russia and Qatar of the next two World Cups.
But that decision rests with the ExCo, several members of which have demanded the full document after Garcia claimed Eckert’s summary contained “numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations of the facts”.
The identities over several of those under investigation emerged less than 24 hours after Telegraph Sport revealed the Serious Fraud Office was actively seeking evidence relating to Fifa’s World Cup corruption probe.
That in turn came barely a week after football’s world governing body submitted a complaint to the Swiss Attorney General over allegations unlawful conduct took place during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
This week has witnessed renewed calls for Garcia’s full report to be made public.
(edited)
German legend joins Angel Maria Villar Llona, Michel D'Hooghe and Worawi Makudi in being investigated by world governing body
In the spotlight: Franz Beckenbauer is one of four men - along with Angel Maria Villar Llona, Worawi Makudi and Michel D’Hooghe - being probed by Fifa Photo: REUTERS
Franz Beckenbauer and three current Fifa executives were facing disciplinary action as a result of its World Cup corruption inquiry on Thursday after it emerged they were being investigated for alleged breaches of its code of ethics.
Vice-president Angel Maria Villar Llona of Spain, Worawi Makudi from Thailand and Michel D’Hooghe from Belgium were among the names being looked at by Fifa’s chief investigator, according to sources close to the world governing body. Former executive committee member Beckenbauer, who remains involved in football, was also under investigation by American attorney Michael J Garcia.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Harold Mayne-Nicholls from Chile, who headed the inspection team which compiled reports into the countries bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, is being probed as well.
But it appears Fifa president Sepp Blatter and Uefa counterpart Michel Platini – the latter having voted for Qatar 2022 – are in the clear.
Last week, Garcia announced “a number of individuals” have had formal cases opened against them.
The grounds for investigating the three current executives and Germany legend Beckenbauer have yet to be made public, with none of them named in the summary of Garcia’s inquiry released two weeks ago.
But Villar Llona could face action for the fact that one of the federations involved in the Spain-Portugal bid for the 2018 tournament was deemed by the summary to have been “particularly uncooperative”.
That 42-page report also contains allegations of vote-swapping between their bid team – led by Villar Llona – and that of Qatar 2022, which Blatter has previously confirmed took place.
And it mentions two existing executive committee members who took part in the ballot who “initially refused to be interviewed” by Garcia.
Makudi, meanwhile, could be probed over his involvement in a gas deal between his country and Qatar shortly before the vote in 2010.
He was also accused by former England 2018 bid chairman Lord Triesman of demanding television rights to a friendly between England and Thailand in return for his vote.
He unsuccessfully attempted to sue Triesman over the allegation, which was made under Parliamentary privilege.
D’Hooghe admitted in August 2011 that he accepted an expensive painting from an adviser to Russia’s successful 2018 World Cup bid, something he has since branded a “poisonous gift”.
He told Telegraph Sport on Thursday that he was not expecting to be sanctioned by Garcia after responding to questions from the investigator.
“I have given all the necessary correct answers and suppose my case is closed,” he said.
Beckenbauer could face action over his links with Qatar – he has denied being offered any bribe to vote for them of Russia – or even his initial refusal to co-operate with Garcia, which saw him provisionally suspended from football.
The revelation of the names of those executives under investigation may make it easier for Fifa to give an almost complete version of Garcia’s 430-page report to its executive committee at its next meeting in Morocco next month.
How much of the document Blatter and his fellow executives get to see will be decided by the chairman of Fifa’s audit and compliance committee, Domenico Scala, after Garcia and Fifa’s head judge, Hans-Joachim Eckert, failed to agree on what should be released.
The summary of Garcia’s report, written by Eckert, found that the American’s inquiry did not unearth enough evidence to warrant stripping Russia and Qatar of the next two World Cups.
But that decision rests with the ExCo, several members of which have demanded the full document after Garcia claimed Eckert’s summary contained “numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations of the facts”.
The identities over several of those under investigation emerged less than 24 hours after Telegraph Sport revealed the Serious Fraud Office was actively seeking evidence relating to Fifa’s World Cup corruption probe.
That in turn came barely a week after football’s world governing body submitted a complaint to the Swiss Attorney General over allegations unlawful conduct took place during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
This week has witnessed renewed calls for Garcia’s full report to be made public.
(edited)
new answers on Ukraine airplane (mh-17) shot-down case.... no matter that west world data are secret... the truth (maybe) is revealing... what do you think about this?
http://antifashist.com/item/ukrainskij-su-25-unichtozhivshij-boing-pilotiroval-dmitrij-yakacud.html#ixzz3KVFRavvW
now It really seems that ukrainian SU-25 shot down that plane... but what is much worse is the fact that if this is true, all EU was lying to all inhabitants and it is inexcusable. If EU is lying to own people like US, it is end of everything was is good on europe :-(.
What are your opinions, if you have some :-)
http://antifashist.com/item/ukrainskij-su-25-unichtozhivshij-boing-pilotiroval-dmitrij-yakacud.html#ixzz3KVFRavvW
now It really seems that ukrainian SU-25 shot down that plane... but what is much worse is the fact that if this is true, all EU was lying to all inhabitants and it is inexcusable. If EU is lying to own people like US, it is end of everything was is good on europe :-(.
What are your opinions, if you have some :-)