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Christian Drosten and Karl Lauterbach (archive image)
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) complained about targeted attacks on scientists after the Berlin virologist Christian Drosten left the Corona Expert Committee.
"I very much regret that Christian Drosten has withdrawn from the expert committee.
Wrong and reputation-damaging reporting also persuaded him to take this step," said Lauterbach of the "Rheinische Post" from Düsseldorf.
Drosten, head of the Institute of Virology at the Charité Berlin, announced on Thursday that he would be withdrawing from the expert committee for the scientific assessment of state corona restrictions in Germany.
The committee is losing a scientist who has virological and epidemiological expertise and who can also convey this in an understandable way.
"He is a first-class and irreplaceable political advisor," said Lauterbach.
The commission consists of experts from various specialist areas, who are to prepare a report by June 30th.
The body should not be confused with the Federal Government's Expert Council, of which Drosten is still a member.
Lauterbach sees individual media as responsible for Drosten's step.
»His withdrawal is an example of how scientists are targeted during the corona pandemic in order to push through their own agenda.
It is unbearable how this hinders several internationally recognized experts in their work,” said Lauterbach.
»Critical reporting is important and absolutely necessary.
But fair dealings are also required with scientists.«
The SPD politician announced talks about the future of the body.
“We will discuss with the traffic light coalition in the coming week how the committee should continue to work.
But the expert opinion cannot be dispensed with.«
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