Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation against a correspondent for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) following a question posed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent trip to Belgrade, according to reports from DPA.
The journalist, who covers Southeast Europe from Vienna, is accused of inciting hatred and hostility and may be added to an international wanted list.
As per TASS, he could face up to six years in prison in Russia, as such sentences can be imposed in absentia. The FAZ press office stated to DPA that they were unaware of any such proceedings.
During Zelensky’s visit to Serbia earlier this month, the journalist asked the president what Europeans could do to assist Ukraine in killing more Russian soldiers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry harshly criticized the journalist, while former Russian President and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, now the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, claimed in an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti that the journalist would have to answer for his actions.
FAZ expressed regret over the ambiguous nature of the question but emphasized that its editorial policy does not include advocating for the killing of Russian soldiers. The publication also condemned the “slander and threats” directed at its journalist, calling them “unacceptable” and asserting that press freedom encompasses the right to ask questions, especially at a press conference. “We will respond to threats against our staff through legal means,” stated the newspaper.
