Russian-German Diplomatic Row: Russian Ambassador to be Summoned Over Passport Seizure
Russia Plans to Quickly Call the German Ambassador to Discuss Matters in Moscow
Get ready for another round of diplomatic tussle between Russia and Germany. According to recent statements, the Russian Foreign Ministry will be summoning the German ambassador in Moscow, Alexander Lambsdorff, imminently. The purpose of this meeting? To discuss countermeasures Russia plans to take, as announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, at a press conference on Thursday. The spark for this confrontation? Alleged seizure of passports of a RIA Novosti correspondent and his family by German authorities this month.
Journalists have been a contentious issue between both nations in the past. Going back to November, the Russian Foreign Ministry expelled a correspondent and another employee of ARD in Moscow, citing Germany’s expulsion of two employees of the Russian television channel Pervy Kanal and the closure of the correspondent’s office as the reason. Germany, at the time, dismissed this claim.
The latest incident has escalated the conflict, with Russia accusing Germany of arbitrary actions and harassment towards Russian journalists based in Germany[1][2][3]. Maria Zakharova alleged that these actions are not just affecting journalists but are now extending to their family members[1][3]. Russia claims Germany is violating its international obligations concerning media freedom and pluralism[1][3].
On the other hand, Germany contends that the departure of some Russian journalists was due to compliance with residence rules, not deliberate harassment, and insists that Russian journalists are free to report in the country[3].
This latest dispute follows a pattern of tit-for-tat expulsions and escalating tensions over media treatment. Last November, for instance, Russia expelled a German correspondent and cameraman as a "symmetrical response" to German measures against Russian state TV journalists[3]. The current situation highlights ongoing international disputes over media freedom and diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany.
[1] AFP, ntv.de[2] DW[3] CNN
In the midst of this escalating diplomatic row between Russia and Germany, the Commission may be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers, extending to Russian journalists and their families in Germany, given the alleged risks arising from the use of apparent political harassment and interference in general news and war-and-conflicts reporting. The heated exchanges between both nations regarding media freedom have extended beyond their borders, raising concerns about the future of relations and the protection of journalists worldwide.
