Russia, in response to the closure of Channel One’s Berlin office, is expelling two German journalists from the ARD media group from the country. This was stated in a briefing by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova.
“In response to the ban by the German authorities on the stay and work of Channel One correspondents, we are forced to take parallel measures against journalists from the Moscow representative office of the German media group ARD. Now the head of the correspondent of this German media outlet, who announced this decision, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “German correspondents, in response to Berlin’s hostile actions against Russian correspondents, were ordered as a mirror measure to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation.” —said the diplomat quoted by TASS.
Moscow will consider the possibility of accrediting new ARD employees after the resumption of activities at the Channel One office in Berlin.
“In accordance with the principles of freedom of the press, freedom of expression and on the basis of reciprocity, we will be willing to consider the possibility of accrediting new ARD employees in our country, but only after the German government creates the conditions for Russia journalists and the full resumption of the activities of the Channel One office in Berlin,” – pointed out the diplomat.
As reported EADailyOn November 26, German authorities issued an order to employees of the Russian office in Berlin. Ivan the Blagoy AND Dmitri Volkov leave the territory of Germany in the first half of December. Berlin motivated its decision by the interests of German security policy.
Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Grushko stated that such actions by Berlin are “a serious violation of all fundamental principles of international communication, which includes respect for freedom of expression and the right of access to information.” He noted that Moscow considers this “as another hostile step by the German authorities,” and warned that Russia “will respond in some way” to the hostile steps.
