” “Journalist pools reduced to a minimum, special limited pre-allocated places, last minute accredited journalists now only admitted after criminal office control. The flow of journalists from all over the world to follow the event in Cologne is such that certain amendments to the normal work routine were necessary. About 7,000 giornalisti and technical experts accredited till now must register and fetch their passes (in addition to to the personal photo badge) in order to have a place reserved for the most important events during these days. And restrictions are even greater for the events involving the Pope: just a few "lucky people" from the worldwide media have been chosen by the organisers to follow closely what is happening. The WYD central office informs that even for the last minute accredited journalists, first of all the details must be checked by the Federal Criminal Office. And that the press card will be issued only after approval by the authorities one or two days later.
