On 23 August 2019, a murder took place in the Kleiner Tiergarten park in Berlin.

The man convicted today literally executed another man there in broad daylight with several shots.

In his indictment, the Federal Public Prosecutor General came to the conclusion that this crime was committed on behalf of government agencies of the Russian Federation.

This view was endorsed by the court in today’s ruling.

This murder ordered by the state - as determined by the Court today - represents a serious violation of German law and of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Germany.

We have therefore just summoned the Russian Ambassador for talks.

The Ambassador was informed that two members of the diplomatic staff of the Russian Embassy are to be declared personae non gratae.

I spoke on the phone yesterday to the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr Lavrov, and reiterated that we want and need an open and honest exchange with Russia. This is in our mutual interest.

This must take place on the basis of international law and mutual respect.

It is very clear that acts like the murder in the Tiergarten weigh heavily on this exchange.

The Federal Government will do everything it takes to guarantee security in our country as well as respect for our legal system.