Investigations Against Nius Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt Dropped
Berlin, Germany – October 30, 2024 – The Berlin public prosecutorS office has ceased its investigations into allegations against julian reichelt, editor-in-chief of the news platform Nius. The probe centered on claims of potential obstruction of justice and association with individuals linked to organized crime.
The decision concludes a months-long inquiry sparked by reporting in Die Zeit alleging Reichelt’s connections to criminal clans and potential interference in police investigations. While the investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to support criminal charges, the scrutiny has fueled public debate regarding journalistic ethics and the influence of possibly illicit networks. The case highlights the complex intersection of media, law enforcement, and organized crime in Germany.
The initial investigation was triggered by reports detailing allegations that Reichelt maintained contact with individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities, and that he may have attempted to influence police work. Die zeit‘s reporting, published in August 2024, prompted the public prosecutor’s office to open a formal investigation into the matter.
Reichelt, a former editor at Bild, founded Nius in 2023, positioning it as a digitally-focused news outlet. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and characterized the allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign.In recent months, Reichelt has also been involved in separate legal disputes, including a complaint filed by footballer Antonio Rüdiger over a social media post related to Ramadan, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
