Russia to expel two ARD journalists in response to the closure of Channel One's bureau in Germany

In response to the closure of Channel One's bureau in Germany, Russia is expelling two journalists of the German media group ARD. This was announced at a briefing on November 27 by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

"In response to the German authorities' ban on the stay and work of Channel One correspondents, we are forced to take mirror measures against journalists from the Moscow office of the German media group ARD," Zakharova said.

She added that correspondent Frank Eischmann and cameraman Sven Feller will be expelled, they will have to leave Russia in due time. The head of the ARD Correspondent Corps has been invited to the Foreign Ministry to announce the measure. The RF will be ready to accredit the new ARD employees after the FRG authorities create normal conditions for the work of Russian journalists.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the German authorities have already many times interfered with the work of Russian journalists by imposing sanctions and harassing media employees.

Earlier in the day, Channel One reported that the German authorities had decided to close its German bureau. The FRG motivated this by "security policy interests" and ordered the staff of the bureau to leave the country. The German authorities told Channel One that it allegedly "influences" the Russian-speaking population of Germany and poses a threat to public order and security of both the country and the European Union (EU).

Commenting on the situation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that the ministry had a negative attitude to the decision of the FRG authorities, which grossly violates the principles of international communication. The deputy foreign minister added that the Foreign Ministry would fight for the rights of Russian journalists with all necessary methods.