Full Breakdown
French Interior Minister Threatens Criminal Charges if Expelled Pro-Kremlin Pundit Returns to Air
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Potential Return of Xenia Fedorova to CNews
France’s interior minister Laurent Nunez warned on Thursday that any broadcast of former RT France head Xenia Fedorova on the right-wing channel CNews could trigger criminal proceedings.
Background & Context: Expulsion and Media Ban
Fedorova, 45, was formally expelled from France in August after a court upheld an order that required her departure for disseminating pro-Kremlin propaganda. The expulsion followed the 2022 ban on RT France, which was shut down after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following the ban, Fedorova joined the broadcasting network owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, appearing on outlets such as CNews.
Official Statements & Responses
Interior Minister Nunez’s correspondence to ARCOM outlined the legal basis for potential charges, emphasizing the protection of national interests. In contrast, Fedorova has described the expulsion as “censorship” and argued that she was abroad on holiday when the deportation order took effect, meaning she was never physically removed from French territory. CNews has signaled its intent to feature her again, planning a video-link appearance despite the minister’s warning.
Data & Statistics
- Age of Xenia Fedorova: 45
- Year of RT France ban: 2022
- Month of expulsion order: August (2023)
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between French authorities seeking to curb perceived foreign influence in domestic media and right-wing broadcasters defending the participation of controversial commentators.
