Russia accuses France of ‘silencing dissent’ over journalist expulsion

Russian Foreign Ministry officials on Thursday condemned what they called the “political persecution of journalists based on false accusations”, saying the measures taken against Fedorova contradicted France's stated commitment to free speech.

“Such actions are incompatible with France's rhetoric regarding its commitment to the principles of freedom of expression,” deputy Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexei Fadeev said in Moscow.

Fadeev accused French authorities of branding dissenting views as Russian propaganda and attempting to force out journalists and media organisations whose positions did not conform with the official line.

He also criticised what he described as the French leadership's persistent efforts to blame Russia for the country's domestic problems.

France freezes assets of controversial Russian commentator Fedorova

'Part of my journalism work'

French authorities accuse Fedorova of acting as “a conduit for disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Russian authorities” and designed to destabilise public order in France.

She was served with an expulsion order in late July and had her assets frozen.

Fedorova said on Monday that she was currently outside France and did not intend to return until the measures had been suspended or withdrawn.

Her growing prominence on French media outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré had raised concerns over possible attempts to influence public debate, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Fedorova has rejected the accusations, saying in a statement attributed to her on X (formerly Twitter): “My conduct consists of living in France for nearly 10 years in compliance with the law, paying my taxes, but also having an opinion and expressing it as part of my work as a journalist."

The original post no longer appears to be visible on her public X profile.

Ex-French PM Attal targeted by Russian 'interference' ahead of 2027 vote

'A serious violation'

Fedorova previously headed the French branch of the Russian state-run broadcaster Russia Today (RT), whose programmes have been banned across the European Union since March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Her current employers, Canal+ and Lagardère, have defended her, describing the French government's actions as “a particularly serious violation of freedom of expression”.

The case comes amid growing concern in France over foreign interference and disinformation campaigns ahead of next year's presidential election.

French authorities have repeatedly accused Russia of seeking to amplify political divisions and shape public opinion through coordinated influence operations.

Moscow has denied interfering in France's domestic affairs and has accused European governments of using allegations of Russian propaganda to silence alternative viewpoints.

(with newswires)