When investigating a story, we often deal with sources who wish to remain anonymous. We protect our informants and do not disclose the sources of confidential information, even to law enforcement agencies (police, public prosecutors, courts, etc.). This right to refuse to testify is granted to us by law. Raw interview material is not handed over to the investigating authorities either.

Exceptions are made in connection with serious crimes or when people’s lives are at risk. In such cases, instructions from the criminal justice authorities are taken into account – in consultation with the senior editorial management and the respective department heads.