> as long as we can counter them by rational argument and keep them in check by public opinion

I mean, we obviously can't. Who's going to make them provide balanced news ? no one since they're literally part of the Russian government. You can't "counter them by rational argument" if these arguments never reach the target

What about islamist news ? Why don't we broadcast that freely ? Can't you provide rational arguments against that ? What about nazis, why are they banned in Germany ? Are you afraid of not having rational arguments ?

> funny how the paradox of tolerance is thrown around most by the people who understand it the least.

Well, I can say the same about freedom of speech...