DISINFO: US-controlled secret biolabs like Lugar lab develop biological weapons

DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS

  • Outlet: sputnik-ossetia.ru ( archive, original )
  • Date of publication: June 24, 2021
  • Article language(s): Russian
  • Countries / regions discussed: Georgia, Georgian region of South Ossetia, Russia, US

DISINFO: US-controlled secret biolabs like Lugar lab develop biological weapons

SUMMARY

There are clear signs that dangerous pathogens are used for military-political purposes. We are witnessing a revival of biological weapons.

In this context, the global community needs to take note that the locations of dangerous disease outbreaks coincide with the locations of foreign biological labs of certain states. Their activity is top secret, and it causes the states, where these objects are located, to lose their sovereignty in the sphere of biosecurity.

Russia and South Ossetia have repeatedly drawn attention to the activities of Lugar Center in Georgia where the US Medical Research Directorate-Georgia is permanently deployed.

RESPONSE

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about US bio laboratories around the world and, specifically, the Lugar Lab. This message is part of a years-long disinformation campaign led by the Kremlin.

The article does not present any evidence that supports the claim that the US is secretly developing biological weapons in laboratories around the world, thus making unfounded accusations. In fact, biological laboratories are involved in preventing the risks of complex diseases and, together with other similar projects, counteracting bioterrorism.

Russia claims that the Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research in Georgia is one such lab but has never presented evidence to support its allegations. International experts visited the facility in 2018 to examine the premises, interview employees and review documents but found nothing suspicious.

The Lugar Lab is a frequent target of Russian disinformation. The Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research is a facility of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), which became operational in August 2013. It is a top-tiered institution in NCDC’s laboratory network and serves as a reference laboratory for Georgia’s public health system. Read more about Lugar lab on Myth Detector.

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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