AfD Politician Ulrich Siegmund Accused of Intimidating Journalists During Election Campaign

The German Journalists' Association (DJV) has sharply condemned AfD politician Ulrich Siegmund for his conduct towards ZDF reporter Fabian Köster during an interview for the 'heute-show' at the Magdeburg Landtag. According to DJV President Mika Beuster, Siegmund's behavior, which included implying Köster might lose his job if the AfD cancels the media treaty, amounts to intimidation rather than a genuine media concept. Beuster stressed that parliamentary spaces must be safe for journalists and called for regional parliaments to protect journalistic independence.

During the interview, Siegmund questioned Köster’s job security, prompting Köster to humorously respond he might seek a position with AfD Landtag President Tobias Rausch, who is currently embroiled in a nepotism scandal. In addition, Köster was followed and reportedly harassed by a cameraman from the YouTube channel 'Deutschland Kurier' while filming, heightening concerns over journalist safety in parliamentary settings.

ZDF reaffirmed its commitment to journalistic independence, highlighting constitutional protections and stating government entities cannot dictate editorial content. The broadcaster also emphasized prioritizing employee safety. The AfD, holding house rights in the Magdeburg Landtag through Rausch, has yet to comment on these incidents.

The controversy unfolds amid an election campaign where journalists have encountered increasing pressures. Köster, notable for recently winning the German Television Award for Best Comedy/Late Night, remains a prominent target of such intimidation attempts. The DJV’s strong response underscores ongoing challenges to press freedom and the need for robust safeguards in Germany’s political environment.