What looks like a conversation with Klitschko was manipulated Photo: Senate Chancellery
From Hildburg Bruns
Franziska Giffey (44, SPD) wants to call the real Vitali Klitschko (50) before her vacation. But before that there’s a check to see whether the mayor of Kiev is really speaking.
In the meantime it has become known: Not only Berlin’s rulers and the mayors of Vienna and Madrid were deceived in video conferences, but also the mayors of Warsaw and Budapest.
“You can see the systematic approach,” said Giffey, who spoke via video last Friday with someone who only looked like Klitschko. A technical manipulation. She became suspicious when asked whether Berlin could help organize a gay parade… In the middle of a war?
“Ultimately, there is theft of an identity at the expense of a third party – that is, Klitschko,” says Giffey. “That is punishable in Germany.”
It will be difficult to determine exactly what manipulation is involved, as the confidential conversation was not recorded. The damage is immense. “We’re getting more suspicious,” says Giffey.
