Russia opens criminal case against FAZ journalist Michael Martens

Michael Martens Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung press freedom Russian criminal case incitement of hatred

Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation against Michael Martens, a Southeast Europe correspondent for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The case follows a question Martens posed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference in Belgrade, where he asked what Europeans could do to help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers.

Russia is investigating the matter under Article 282, paragraph 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the incitement of hatred or enmity. Authorities are reportedly considering placing Martens on an international wanted list and may issue a warrant in his absence. If convicted, Martens faces up to six years in a penal colony.

FAZ has stated that the question was formulated ambiguously and expressed regret over the wording, but emphasized that the publication's editorial stance does not advocate for the death of Russian soldiers. The newspaper also condemned the threats against its staff and defended the right of journalists to ask questions. Russian officials, including Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, have stated that Martens must be held accountable for his actions.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Dmitry Medvedev · Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung · Michael Martens · Russia · TASS · Volodymyr Zelensky · Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] The criminal case was opened under Article 282, paragraph 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, concerning the incitement of hatred or enmity. de.rt.com · newsweek.ro · www.berliner-zeitung.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The FAZ press office stated they were unaware of the criminal proceedings initiated by Russia. 24-ore.com · adevarul.ro · www.g4media.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.finanznachrichten.de
[● 9 SOURCES] Authorities are considering placing the journalist on an international wanted list. 24-ore.com · www.it-boltwise.de · adevarul.ro · de.rt.com · www.g4media.ro · +4 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Michael Martens, a correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). 24-ore.com · www.it-boltwise.de · ratb.ro · adevarul.ro · de.rt.com · +5 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) stated the question was ambiguously formulated and expressed regret, while maintaining that press freedom includes the right to ask questions. 24-ore.com · adevarul.ro · www.g4media.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.finanznachrichten.de
[● 8 SOURCES] If convicted, the journalist faces up to six years in prison. 24-ore.com · adevarul.ro · de.rt.com · www.g4media.ro · newsweek.ro · +3 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that the journalist must be held accountable for his actions. 24-ore.com · adevarul.ro · www.g4media.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.berliner-zeitung.de · +1 more
[● 10 SOURCES] The investigation stems from a question Martens asked President Zelensky in Belgrade regarding how Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers. 24-ore.com · www.it-boltwise.de · ratb.ro · adevarul.ro · de.rt.com · +5 more