German Foreign Ministry summoned Russian ambassador over expulsion of ARD journalists

The German Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador amid the expulsion of journalists of the German media group ARD. This was announced by Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock at a press conference with her New Zealand counterpart on November 28, the record of which was published on the social network X (former Twitter).

She said that the expulsion of ARD employees from the Russian Federation is unacceptable, and the German Foreign Ministry condemns such a decision on the part of Russia.

"That is why today we have summoned the Russian ambassador," Berbock said.

At the same time, the head of the Ministry pointed out that in Germany and Europe there is allegedly no restriction of press freedom.

"There is absolutely no reason to link this to the current expulsion of ARD employees. This is unacceptable," Bebrock concluded.

On the eve of November 27, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that in response to the closure of Channel One's bureau in Germany, Russia is expelling two journalists of the German media group ARD. Zakharova 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.