Child pornography story goes public in Germany

German Agriculture Minister CSU parliamentarian Friedrich has resigned.

SPD parliamentarian Sebastian Edathy is alleged to have been in possession of child pornography linked to a Canadian ring.

In November German prosecutors informed the then Federal Justice Minister, Friedrich. He contacted the leader of the SPD, Sigmar Gabriel. At the time the SPD CDU and CSU were in discussion to form a new government. For that reason Friedrich informed Gabriel.

Edathy resigned his seat in parliament last week. The story was that he had resigned on health grounds. He is acclaimed by many of his colleagues as one of the brightest SPD politicians.

In response to a media question SPD spokesperson Oppermann made the case public. The CDU/CSU coalition partners feel betrayed by the SPD.

And now it's all blown open and the question being asked is whether politicians are treated differently than ordinary citizens.

There are also questions being asked if Eadthy had been tipped off by his SPD colleagues.