Paris court denies Russian commentator's appeal to stay in France

A Paris court dismissed on Monday the appeal of Russian television commentator Xenia Fedorova, who had been ordered to leave France. The decision came after French authorities accused Fedorova of disseminating pro‑Kremlin propaganda, a claim that led to the expulsion order. The court found that the evidence presented by the prosecution satisfied the legal threshold required for such a measure and upheld the original ruling.

Fedorova, known for her commentary on Russian state‑run media, had previously been subject to scrutiny by French security services for her public statements praising the Kremlin’s policies. The appeal argued that the expulsion violated her rights to freedom of expression, but the court rejected this argument, citing national security concerns and the potential for her continued influence on French audiences. The ruling confirms that France will enforce the expulsion unless new evidence or legal arguments are presented.

The case underscores France’s ongoing efforts to curb foreign propaganda deemed harmful to its democratic institutions. With the appeal denied, Fedorova is expected to comply with the expulsion order unless she seeks further legal recourse in a higher court.