Germany's investigative journalism association, the Netzwerk Recherche (NR), has expelled influential broadcaster and author Hubert Seipel after it became known that he received money from Moscow for writing laudative books about Russian President Vladimir Putin. A joint investigation led by German broadcaster ZDF revealed in November 2023 that Seipel, who interviewed Putin and wrote two books about him, received 600,000 euros ($646,000) from Kremlin-linked oligarch Aleksei Mordashov. "Seipel has violated the basic rules of independent journalism with his behavior and has caused enormous damage to the reputation of our profession," NR Chairman Daniel Drepper told ZDF. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Kremlin-Friendly Reporter Expelled From German Investigative Journalism Association
Hubert Seipel (right) interviews Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014.