Netzpolitik treason probe : German Justice Minister sacks Federal Prosecutor Range

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas has sacked federal prosecutor Harald Range, after the latter complained of political interference in the treason investigation of two journalists.

According to the BBC, Range was asked by the government to drop an independent investigation on the two journalists, who have been alleged of committing treason, with their published articles on the website 'netzpolitik.org'.

Range said that the articles have been suspected to disclose a state secret, adding that while the freedom of the press was valuable, it was not "limitless".

The prosecutors are investigating whether the Netzpolitik website revealed state secrets about plans to step up state surveillance through the writing.

The announcement of Range's termination has sparked street protests about the freedom of the press.

Maas, however, has denied saying that the decision to withdraw the expert had been made in consultation with Range last Friday.

The 67-year-old Range had been due to retire early next year.