The ZDF-Fernsehrat sharply condemned the massive harassment directed at journalists Elmar Theveßen and Dunja Hayali. “We condemn every form of hate speech and political pressure aimed at restricting independent and critical reporting,” the Television Council said on Friday in Mainz. The two ZDF journalists had come under fierce criticism after remarks related to the attack on the ultrarechten US activist Charlie Kirk (TheColu.mn reported).
ZDF-Intendant Norbert Himmler explained: “My colleagues have been subjected to hate and harassment online for more than a week.” Open threats up to murder have been directed at them. The ZDF operates “to high standards of quality,” he said. “Nevertheless: mistakes happen.” The ZDF engages conscientiously with criticism from outside. “Intimidation and threats, however, we do not tolerate,” Himmler added.
Hayali, while moderating a report on the attack on Kirk in the “heute journal,” said that nothing can justify groups celebrating Kirk’s death — “not even his oftentimes abhorrent, racist, sexist and inhumane statements.” Apparently, he had struck a nerve with that.
The ZDF correspondent in Washington, Theveßen, had on the ZDF program “Markus Lanz” said that Kirk had stated that homosexuals should be stoned. In reality, Kirk’s remarks referred to a Bible passage. The ZDF had at the time, according to various media reports, stated that this connection should have been highlighted more clearly. Theveßen regrets “not being more explicit at that point,” it was said.
