Russian court arrests FAZ journalist Michael Martens in absentia

A Russian court has ordered the arrest in absentia of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) correspondent Michael Martens in a criminal case involving incitement to hatred or hostility, TASS reports, citing a participant in the proceedings.

The report said the case was opened under Part 2 of Article 282 of Russia’s Criminal Code.

If Martens is found guilty, he could face up to six years in prison.

The case stems from remarks he made during a press conference held by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade on August 8.

The journalist asked what European countries could do to “help kill more Russians.”

A petition calling for Martens to be fired subsequently appeared online.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described his remarks as unacceptable and criminal.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov