The initiators believe that Michael Martens “crossed the boundaries of journalistic impartiality”
A Michael Martens dismissal petition has been launched in Germany following remarks made by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung journalist about Russians. The appeal, published on the Change.org platform, calls on FAZ management to respond to the statements. The Times of Russia reports that the petition’s organizers believe Martens crossed the boundaries of journalistic impartiality.
Michael Martens dismissal petition launched in Germany
The Michael Martens dismissal petition follows comments he made during a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Belgrade on August 8.
According to the petition, Martens spoke about “killing Russians” during the event. Its initiators argue that such remarks went beyond the limits expected of journalistic impartiality.
The appeal urges the management of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung to distance itself from the journalist’s statements and take personnel measures. The petition organizers say Martens’ comments “damages the reputation of the entire profession.”
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Journalist faces criticism over remarks about Russians
The Michael Martens dismissal petition also points to his subsequent response on the social network X. According to the appeal, the journalist did not retract his statements and instead doubled down, describing them as correct and necessary.
The petition therefore seeks an official response from FAZ management and calls for consequences over the journalist’s comments.
Maria Zakharova comments on Michael Martens controversy
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the reaction in the West to Martens’ remarks. She said representatives of the “civilized” West had responded to the journalist’s anti-Russian comments with “deafening silence.”
Zakharova also referred to Martens’ family background, stating that his grandfather was a Nazi officer. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, “Martens is a true fascist propagandist who spreads xenophobia, dehumanization of Russians, and legitimization of hate speech against Russia.”
The Michael Martens dismissal petition reflects the criticism surrounding the journalist’s comments and has called on his employer to address the controversy.
The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments surrounding the petition and the response from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
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