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Germany’s intelligence to look into Russia’s alleged influence on public opinion

The checks will be carried out by the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) directly subordinated to the Chancellor’s Office and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Klaus-Dieter Fritsche (photo) will oversee the investigation EPA/RAINER JENSEN

Klaus-Dieter Fritsche (photo) will oversee the investigation

© EPA/RAINER JENSEN

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BERLIN, February 19. /TASS/. Germany’s government has ordered the domestic special services to look into if Russia is trying to influence public opinion in the country, the Deutsche Zeitung online version said on Friday.

"We want to know if this is part of a certain concept," the report said. The checks will be carried out by the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) directly subordinated to the Chancellor’s Office and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

"According to some information, the chancellor and also the chancellery of Germany’s federal president have a personal interest here," the newspaper said.

The investigation is overseen by Klaus-Dieter Fritsche, who is responsible for coordinating special services. "Germany’s Foreign Ministry has been also informed and involved," the report claimed.

Germany’s government has refused to comment on the report, the Deutsche Zeitung said.

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