World · Europe · 1 day ago
Russia completes investigation of FAZ correspondent Michael Martens in absentia
Russian authorities have completed their investigation of Michael Martens, a correspondent for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
The case concerns a question he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Belgrade in August about how Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers.
Martens corrected himself during the question, and the FAZ later said it was worded ambiguously and did not reflect the newspaper’s position.
Russia opened a criminal case accusing him of inciting hatred or hostility.
He is being prosecuted in absentia, meaning the case proceeds while he is not in Russia.
If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison, according to the reports.
Martens has been reporting from Vienna, and the reports say he could face a different risk if he travels to Serbia or elsewhere in the Balkans.
Russian authorities have completed investigative proceedings in a criminal case against Michael Martens, a correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), and say he is being prosecuted in absentia.
The case follows a question Martens asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Belgrade on August 8 about how Europeans could help kill more Russians.
The reports describe the charge as incitement to hatred or enmity; a conviction could carry a sentence of up to six years in a penal colony.
FAZ later said the question was ambiguously worded and that the newspaper did not share the stance that as many Russian soldiers as possible should be killed.
The reports say Russia arrested Martens in absentia on August 26 and issued an international arrest warrant; n-tv notes that any sentence would depend in practice on whether he were extradited.
- Who
- Michael Martens, FAZ correspondent
- What
- Russian authorities completed proceedings in a criminal case alleging incitement to hatred or enmity, with Martens being prosecuted in absentia.
- When
- October 10, 2026; the question was asked on August 8.
- Where
- The case is in Russia; the question was asked at a press conference in Belgrade, Serbia.
- Why
- The case followed Martens's question about how Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The investigative proceedings against the accused, Martens, have been completed. He is being prosecuted in absentia.
Can you tell us Europeans what we concretely can do to help you kill more Russians - of course more Russian soldiers.
ambiguously worded
At a press conference in Belgrade with Volodymyr Zelensky and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Martens asked how Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russians, then clarified that he meant Russian soldiers.
A source told TASS that Russia had opened a criminal case against Martens on suspicion of inciting hatred or hostility.
Sources involved in the case told TASS that Martens had been arrested in absentia and that Russia had issued an international arrest warrant.
TASS reported that investigative proceedings had been completed and that Martens was being prosecuted in absentia.
- Journalist
- Michael Martens, a correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)
- Press conference
- Belgrade, Serbia, on August 8
- Charge
- Incitement to hatred or enmity under part 2 of article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code, as reported by TASS
- Maximum stated penalty
- Up to six years in a penal colony
- Arrest warrant
- TASS reported that Russia issued an international arrest warrant on August 26
Sources
Related news
Trump says Russia and Ukraine agreed to energy ceasefire
Zelensky says Ukraine can hold elections after a 60-day ceasefire
Trump announces energy ceasefire, but Ukraine says it was not consulted
Experts say Russian diesel deal unlikely to lower US fuel prices
Russian strikes hit Ukrainian energy sites after Trump ceasefire claim
Young people share lessons from Samuel Paty murder trial with students
Suspect arrested over planned attack on Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy over Russian diesel deal
Drone attacks in Russia’s Belgorod Region kill one and injure three
Drone attack shuts down Yandex data centre in Russia’s Vladimir region
Drone strikes damage two Yandex data centers in Russia
