France Upholds Deportation of Russian TV Commentator

The Paris Administrative Court rejected an appeal by Russian television commentator Xenia Fedorova against an order to expel her from France. The court ruled that she had not demonstrated the measure would have serious personal consequences.

Last week, French authorities also froze her assets for six months. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez accused Fedorova of spreading Russian propaganda that undermined France's fundamental interests, while Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described her as an “agent of influence”.

Her lawyer said she was outside France when the expulsion order was issued and would not return unless the decision was suspended or revoked.

Fedorova previously headed RT France before the Kremlin-backed broadcaster was shut down in the European Union following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She later worked as a commentator for media outlets owned by French businessman Vincent Bollore. The authorities' decision also comes amid concerns about possible foreign interference ahead of France's 2027 presidential election.

(Le Monde)