Moscow Bans French Lawmakers and Journalists Following Expulsion of Media Executive

Russia has imposed entry bans on two French lawmakers and two French journalists in retaliation for France's expulsion of former RT France head Xenia Fedorova earlier this year. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the sanctions on Wednesday, citing what Moscow described as harassment against the former media executive.

The entry ban targets French National Assembly members Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte, along with journalists Paul Gogo and Ariane Chemin. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the measure was taken in direct response to actions by French authorities against Fedorova, who directed the Russian state-funded broadcaster RT France between 2017 and 2023.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had ordered Fedorova’s expulsion in July, alleging that she relayed Russian propaganda intended to target the fundamental interests of the state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly characterised Fedorova as an agent of influence. Fedorova herself condemned the expulsion order as censorship, while Russian officials stated at the time that Moscow would react to the action.

Following Wednesday's announcement, Houlié commented on social media that he viewed the travel restriction as recognition of his parliamentary work against foreign interference. The lawmaker highlighted his involvement in a report for the Parliamentary Intelligence Delegation, the passage of a 2024 law aimed at preventing foreign interference, and his role in securing Fedorova’s expulsion from France.

European Union authorities and member states have previously restricted Russian state-backed media networks, describing them as channels for Kremlin messaging. Russia has instituted travel bans against numerous Western public figures, officials, and media representatives since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Written by Freya Stensrud freya.stensrud@alpineweekly.com