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The German National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) said today that press freedom in Germany had been strengthened by events in connection with the investigation of two journalists from the website netzpolitik.org on suspicion of treason.

Following vigorous protests against the launching of the investigation, the public prosecutor general’s course of action affecting press freedom was stopped, the prosecutor general fired and the criminal investigation closed.

“This case has shown that the protection of press freedom is not only deeply anchored in the consciousness of a broad segment of the population, but also enjoys a high status within the federal government up to the federal chancellor. That a robust state action against journalists was stopped by the responsible minister with the backing of the federal chancellor can be celebrated as a victory for press freedom, which in Germany has emerged from this affair stronger,” said Carl-Eugen Eberle, chair of the IPI German National Committee.