Russia expels Austrian journalist
The Russian Foreign Ministry has on 10 June announced the expulsion of Maria Knips-Witting, a journalist for the Austrian TV channel ORF, from the country in response to Vienna's decision to revoke the registration of a TASS propagandist.
Source: statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry quoted by European Pravda
The Moscow Foreign Ministry claims that on 30 April, Austria revoked the permanent accreditation of TASS correspondent Ivan Popov. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Austrian ambassador, but this did not save Popov, and on 7 June, he left the country.
Moscow took "mirror measures" and revoked the ORF journalist's accreditation in this regard. On 10 June, she was told to "leave the territory of the Russian Federation soon".
Quote: "If Vienna continues the practice of discrimination against Russian journalists, a response will follow immediately against Austrian journalists," the Russian Foreign Ministry threatens.
The Austrian authorities have not publicly announced the expulsion of propagandist Popov and have not yet responded to the withdrawal of the ORF journalist's accreditation.
Background: Four Russian "diplomats" were expelled from Austria on espionage charges last year, and two more were expelled earlier this year.
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