Russia expels 2 German reporters in retaliatory move

After ban on bureau of Channel One television, 'mirror measures' taken against correspondents of German media group ARD, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Wednesday said it expelled two German journalists in a retaliatory move.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to Berlin's ban on the work of a bureau of the Russian Channel One in Germany, Russia took "mirror measures" against correspondents of German media group ARD.

"In response to Berlin's unfriendly actions against Russian correspondents, German correspondents were ordered to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation," she said.

Zakharova said Russia may reconsider its decision if German authorities lift the ban on activities of the Russian outlet.

Earlier in the day, German authorities ordered to close the bureau of Channel One, and asked its employees in Berlin to leave the country.

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