French minister defends expulsion order against Russian commentator / Photo: Xavier GALIANA - AFP
French minister defends expulsion order against Russian commentator
France's interior minister said Thursday that an expulsion order against pro-Kremlin Russian commentator Xenia Fedorova was "not an infringement on freedom of expression".
"We are dealing with a very serious matter, namely an attack on the fundamental interests of the nation," Laurent Nunez told broadcaster BFMTV.
Fedorova, who works for a conservative French billionaire's media empire, "simply and purely relays Russian propaganda", he said.
He added however that views similar to hers would continue to be given a platform in France.
"I have no doubt whatsoever that the people who espouse theories like those promoted by this individual will continue to disseminate them," Nunez added, referring to some French politicians.
France has ordered Fedorova to leave the country, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after accusations she was relaying Kremlin propaganda on French television.
Since being notified of the order, 45-year-old Fedorova has been placed under house arrest, according to a source close to the case.
She is required to report daily to a police station.
Fedorova's lawyer Emmanuel Piwnica has said his client will file an appeal.
The former head of the French arm of RT, which was banned in France after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, is a commentator for outlets within French billionaire Vincent Bollore's broadcasting powerhouse.
Fedorova has regularly appeared on the CNews television channel and Europe 1 radio, and written for Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, spreading Kremlin talking points about Ukraine and the West.
Fedorova's employers said Wednesday they were astonished to learn of the expulsion order, which they said amounted to "a particularly serious infringement of freedom of expression".
In her book, "Bannie" ("Banned") published last year, Fedorova portrays herself as a victim of state censorship.
P.Hassan--al-Hayat
