Summary
Russia barred two French lawmakers and two French journalists from entering the country, saying the move responded to France’s expulsion of Xenia Fedorova, former head of RT France. France expelled Fedorova in July, accusing her of relaying Russian propaganda and threatening the country’s interests; she rejected the action as censorship.Key Facts
- Russia named lawmakers Sacha Houlie and Arthur Delaporte and journalists Paul Gogo and Ariane Chemin in its entry ban.
- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia imposed the ban over the alleged harassment of Fedorova.
- Fedorova led RT France from 2017 to 2023.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described Fedorova as an agent of influence.
- France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez accused Fedorova of relaying Russian propaganda in an attempt to attack the country’s fundamental interests.
- Houlie said on X that he viewed the Russian measure as recognition of his work against foreign interference.
- Russia has barred dozens of Western journalists and lawmakers since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
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