Overview

• Two of Alice Weidel’s security staff stopped FAZ photographer Omer Messinger on July 10 to question his extended coverage and request to photograph his Bundestag ID.
• A Bundestag police officer intervened and affirmed that Messinger had followed all accreditation procedures and could continue his work.
• On July 15, Weidel issued a formal apology and stated there was never an intention to hinder the photographer’s duties.
• Vice President Omid Nouripour condemned the confrontation as unacceptable intimidation and demanded a thorough clarification of the incident.
• The Bundestagsverwaltung reiterated that accredited journalists have an unfettered right to document parliamentary proceedings without being challenged.