FAZ journalist wanted in Russia
The Russian Interior Ministry has put Michael Martens, a journalist for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), on the wanted list. Earlier, it was reported that Russia had opened a criminal case against him following a question he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Belgrade.
**FAZ Journalist Wanted in Russia**
On August 20, information about FAZ journalist Michael Martens appeared in the search database of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the ministry, the journalist is wanted under one article of the Russian Criminal Code, but the exact article was not disclosed.
Earlier, Russian media, citing sources in law enforcement agencies, reported that Martens had been charged in absentia with inciting hatred or enmity. According to reports, this is related to Part 2 of Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code. It was also reported that the investigation plans to ask the court to arrest the journalist in absentia in the near future.
**Belgrade Question Causes Controversy**
The criminal case was triggered by an incident at a joint press conference held in Belgrade on August 8 with the participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. At the press conference, Martens asked Zelensky in English how Europeans could help Ukraine "kill more Russians." The journalist immediately clarified his statement, adding, "Of course, Russian soldiers."
The question was asked during a discussion on how to expand the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and encourage Russia to negotiate. Martens's expression also caused surprise among Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The FAZ press secretary explained that the journalist actually meant the issue being discussed among experts - how to create personnel difficulties for the Russian army and thereby encourage Moscow to negotiate peace.
**FAZ Admits That the Question Was "Unclear"**
The FAZ editorial office expressed regret over the journalist's question, noting that its expression sounded "unclear." The newspaper's editorial office emphasized that it does not call for the killing of as many Russian soldiers as possible. At the same time, the FAZ stated that it supports Ukraine's right to self-defense guaranteed by international law and is in favor of ending Russia's war against Ukraine as soon as possible. The press service of the publication also noted that freedom of expression includes the right to ask questions, especially at press conferences.
The German Journalists' Association (DJV) also opposed the criminal prosecution of Martens in Russia. The organization's chairman, Mika Beuyster, said that a "show trial" against the German journalist in Moscow should not be allowed.