Germany summons Russian ambassador over expulsion of 2 German journalists

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Germany summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the expulsion of two German journalists, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Thursday.

“The recent expulsion of the employees of the ARD television by Russian authorities is unacceptable,” Baerbock declared.

“We condemn this in the strongest possible terms, that is why we have today summoned the Russian ambassador,” she said at a press conference in Berlin.

On Wednesday, Russia revoked press accreditation of a German reporter and a cameraman, ordering them to leave the country. This action was a retaliation for the closure of Russian TV Channel One's Berlin office, Russian diplomats said.

Baerbock dismissed Moscow's claims as “lies” and “false allegations,” accusing the Russian government of waging a “propaganda battle” against Germany.

“Claiming that we are restricting press freedom in Germany or in Europe is simply wrong. That is why there is no link between the two incidents. This is unacceptable,” she said.

“A regional authority in Germany has made decisions about residence permits for two employees of the Russian broadcaster. They have the right to appeal this decision. That is precisely the difference between a legal process and an arbitrary action,” she concluded.