U.S. urged to ensure press freedom for journalists by Germany
In recent developments, the ongoing tension between the United States and Germany over the treatment of foreign correspondents has the potential to impact the relationship between the two countries.
The U.S. Department of State ordered the revocation of the visa of a German journalist, Elmar Thevessen, from ZDF broadcaster, in 2025. The U.S. official, Richard Grenell, labelled Thevessen as an "agitator" and "radical leftist" over comments made in a video podcast about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
This incident is part of a broader row that has erupted in Germany regarding the U.S.'s treatment of foreign correspondents. Stefan Kornelius, a government spokesman, stated that Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports a free press, including the ability of foreign journalists to report freely.
The U.S.'s actions towards foreign correspondents, such as the proposed visa changes for journalists and media workers, are being closely monitored by the German government. The proposed plans would limit student visas to four years and reduce journalist visas to a renewable 240-day period or 90 days for Chinese media workers, down from the current 5-year limit.
More than 100 international media groups and industry bodies have urged Washington to reconsider these proposed plans, citing concerns about their potential impact on the quantity and quality of coverage coming from the United States. The AFP news agency and 117 other signatories have written a joint statement urging Washington to reconsider the proposed plans, stating that they could damage, not enhance, America's global standing.
In response, the German government remains committed to press freedom and free reporting worldwide, including in the United States. The German government is currently in discussions with the U.S. regarding the pressure being exerted on foreign correspondents. The German government is likely to continue advocating for the rights of German journalists to work freely and independently in the United States.
Furthermore, the German government will closely monitor the ability of German journalists to work in other countries, including the United States and China. The U.S.'s actions towards foreign correspondents, including the incident with Elmar Thevessen, are raising concerns about its relationship with its ally, Germany.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Germany over the treatment of foreign correspondents could potentially impact the relationship between the two countries. The German government is committed to advocating for press freedom and free reporting worldwide, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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