Open letter to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Austria
Vienna (OTS) – In an open letter to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Austria, the ORF editorial team protests against the announced expulsion of our Russia correspondent:
Yesterday evening we were dismayed to learn of the planned expulsion of our colleague Maria Knips-Witting. We see this as a direct attack on media freedom, which we strongly condemn.
Maria Knips-Witting is a courageous and expert journalist whose independent reporting from Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union is an important source of information for an audience of millions in Austria. Especially in times of international conflict, independent media reporting from both sides is very important so that the population can get a complete picture.
We therefore condemn arbitrary diplomatic retaliation by the Russian side against our correspondent, who has always worked in Russia in strict compliance with all legal accreditation requirements.
It is important to the ORF editorial team to continue to ensure independent and comprehensive reporting from Russia for the Austrian audience.
The ORF editorial board
Dieter Bornemann, Simone Leonhartsberger, Peter Daser, Margit Schuschou
Questions & Contact:
Dieter Bornemann, M.A.
Chairman of the editorial board
dieter.bornemann@orf.at