German journalist faces backlash for alleged pro‑Russia bias in report from occupied Mariupol
Armin Koerper, a journalist from ZDF, a public broadcaster in Germany, has been accused of mirroring Kremlin propaganda in his report about Mariupol, which is currently under Russia's occupation. This claim has been put forward by "Ukrainian Truth".
Feb 2, 2024 | updated: 4:28 AM EST, March 7, 2024
According to statements, Koerper suggested that the majority of the residents under Russia's occupation in the city are pro-Russia. He depicted the city as rapidly reconstructing, allegedly omitting that the invaders had destroyed it.
"Mariupol is not a ghost town. I want to emphasize this very clearly," Koerper reported.
He mentioned that "the city is functioning, stores and restaurants are running," and added, "there are heating, hot water, and internet services available."
ZDF holds that Koerper's reports from Ukraine establish Mariupol as a territory illegally occupied by Russia, also distinguishing between the enemy and the victim of the war.
Reaction in Ukraine
Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeyev, has voiced his disapproval of the report by ZDF. Citing "Ukrainian Truth," he echoed the negative sentiments evoked by the news piece, highlighted by numerous renowned German experts and journalists, including Koerper's peers.
The embassy has formally expressed its objections to the editorial team, disputing the validity of such reports.
Source: "Ukrainian Truth"
