Russian influence on the Bundestag

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) has called on the presidium of the German Bundestag to investigate the connections of Ulrich Oehme (AfD), member of the Bundestag, to the Russian Federation. Today, the human rights organization wrote a letter to the President of the German Bundestag, Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble (CDU), asking him to initiate adequate investigations into the matter and to examine the attempts of the Russian state to influence the German Bundestag.

"The German government's criticism of Russia's attack on eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea – a violation of international law – is completely useless without according sanctions," stated Ulrich Delius, the STP's Director. "Ulrich Oehme has always opposed such sanctions. Now, it turns out that he apparently received monetary benefits from the Duma. Clearly, there is a connection between these benefits and the politician's efforts against the sanctions."

Two weeks ago, the STP had already expressed its concern that the Russian Federation could be trying to influence the German parliament through this member of parliament. According to media reports, he has since admitted to having received payments from the Duma. "For several years now, Russia has been acting increasingly aggressive on the world stage, trying to expand its influence in Europe as well," Delius criticized. "Dr. Schäuble would do well to vehemently oppose these advances. Otherwise, the reputation of the German Bundestag could be irreparably damaged.