France’s interior minister warned of criminal proceedings if a French television channel allows back on air a Russian commentator who was expelled over claims that she is a Kremlin agent, according to reports by AFP and Le Monde.
Legal Stakes for CNews Over Expelled Pundit Xenia Fedorova
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez issued the warning regarding 45-year-old Xenia Fedorova, who was formally expelled from France in August after losing an appeal against a court ruling, according to AFP. The court had ordered her to leave the country for spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda. Despite this, conservative television channel CNews indicated that Fedorova will appear on air again soon via video link, as reported by AFP and Le Monde.
In a letter sent to France’s ARCOM media regulator and revealed by Le Monde, Nunez explained that Fedorova had been accused of “manipulating information and public debate” and “infringing upon the fundamental interests of the nation.” These accusations led to her formal expulsion and the freezing of her assets, according to AFP. Nunez stated that any return to the airwaves “directly contravenes the expulsion and asset-freezing measures imposed and is liable to give rise to several criminal charges,” as cited by AFP.
Did you know? Fedorova previously served as the head of the French arm of RT, which was banned across France after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to AFP and France 24 reporting. Following the ban, she transitioned to working as a commentator for outlets within conservative French billionaire Vincent Bolloré’s broadcasting group, including CNews.
Fedorova’s Response and Deportation Status
Fedorova has decried the official accusations against her as “censorship,” according to AFP. Furthermore, she stated that she was outside of France on holiday when the deportation order went into effect, meaning she was never physically deported from the country, as reported by AFP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Xenia Fedorova?
Xenia Fedorova is the 45-year-old former head of RT France who later became a commentator for CNews and other outlets within Vincent Bolloré’s media group, according to AFP.
Why was Fedorova expelled from France?
She was expelled after a court ruling ordered her to leave the country for spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, with authorities accusing her of manipulating public debate and infringing on national interests, according to AFP and Le Monde.
What legal risks does CNews face?
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, allowing Fedorova back on air via video link directly contravenes her expulsion and asset-freezing measures, making the channel liable to multiple criminal charges, as reported by AFP.
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