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Russia places German journalist Michael Martens on wanted list
Russia has placed German journalist Michael Martens on its wanted list following a controversial question he posed during a press conference in Belgrade on August 8. Martens, a correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky what European countries could specifically do to help Ukraine 'kill more Russians,' though he subsequently clarified he was referring to Russian soldiers rather than civilians.
The Russian news agency TASS reports that Martens is accused of inciting hatred under Part 2 of Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code. If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison. While he is currently listed in the Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted-person database, authorities noted that an international wanted declaration would follow the completion of necessary procedural processes.
The incident sparked backlash in Russia, Serbia, and Germany, including an online petition calling for Martens' dismissal. FAZ has defended its journalist, stating that the question related to ongoing debates regarding pressure on Russia, while acknowledging that the phrasing was potentially misleading. The newspaper emphasized that killing Russian soldiers is not its editorial position.
Entities
Aleksandar Vučić · Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung · Michael Martens · Russia · Volodymyr Zelensky
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] On August 8, Martens asked President Zelensky what Europe could do to help Ukraine kill more Russians, later clarifying he meant soldiers. berita.rtm.gov.my · www.kyivpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The charge against Martens falls under Part 2 of Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code. www.kyivpost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Russia has placed German journalist Michael Martens on its wanted list. berita.rtm.gov.my · www.kyivpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A conviction could result in up to six years in prison for Martens. www.kyivpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Martens is currently listed in the Russian Interior Ministry’s database but has not yet been declared wanted internationally. www.kyivpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung defended Martens while acknowledging the question was phrased in a potentially misleading manner. berita.rtm.gov.my