Statements from the German or Russian governments, or international diplomatic reports

Germany Closes Channel One Bureau, Expels 2 Journalists by December Amid Security Concerns

Nov 27, 2024, 09:46 AM

Germany has ordered the closure of the Berlin bureau of Russia's Channel One, citing national security concerns. The decision, communicated to the channel's journalists on November 26, requires them to leave by early December. The Russian Foreign Ministry has promised a swift response to this action. In retaliation, Russia is expelling two journalists from the German public broadcaster ARD. The German government claims that the activities of Channel One pose a threat to its national security, a stance reflected in a ten-page document justifying the closure, which includes references to EU sanctions. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Germany and Russia regarding media operations and national security policies.