France threatens CNews with charges over exiled RT France editor's broadcast
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The French government has threatened right-wing broadcaster CNews with criminal proceedings if it airs exiled former RT France editor-in-chief Ksenia Fedorova. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned in a letter to the media regulator that giving her airtime would circumvent her expulsion order. CNews had said Fedorova would continue to comment on international affairs via video link.
Key Facts
- France expelled Ksenia Fedorova in late July 2026, citing damage to fundamental state interests.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nunez sent the warning letter to the media regulator on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
- CNews announced Fedorova would continue to collaborate with the channel and comment on international affairs via video link.
- RT France stopped broadcasting in January 2023 after European sanctions were imposed.
- President Emmanuel Macron called Fedorova a Kremlin propagandist and instrument of influence in 2017 and reiterated that view in June 2026.
Government Warning
The French government threatened CNews with criminal proceedings if it airs Ksenia Fedorova, the exiled former editor-in-chief of RT France. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated in a letter to the media regulator that returning Fedorova to the air would circumvent her expulsion order. French authorities consider Fedorova a Kremlin propagandist and a threat to public order. The expulsion decision in late July 2026 was justified by the interior ministry on the grounds that Fedorova's behavior harms the fundamental interests of the state.
Fedorova's Media Role
In May 2026, Fedorova began commenting on international news and hosting a weekly segment on CNews, Europe 1, and Le Journal du Dimanche. These outlets are owned by French billionaire Vincent Bolloré, described as a far-right media magnate. Le Monde called Fedorova a protégé of Bolloré, whose publishing house Fayard released her memoirs. Fedorova's employers said they consider her expulsion a particularly serious attack on freedom of speech.
Background and Reactions
RT France ceased broadcasting in January 2023 after European sanctions were introduced. After the channel's closure, Fedorova remained in France and published her memoirs in French. Germany also banned Fedorova from entry for security reasons, according to AFP. President Emmanuel Macron called Fedorova a propagandist and an instrument of Kremlin influence in 2017 and reaffirmed that position in June 2026.
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