Xenia Fedorova, a Russian propaganda figure and former head of RT France, has been issued with an expulsion order by French authorities, according to her lawyer. The legal action comes after she was placed under house arrest earlier this week. Fedorova’s attorney stated that she is currently abroad and will not return to France unless the expulsion decree is suspended. She has not requested permission from the Paris prefecture to leave the territory and has expressed discomfort with the obligation to check in regularly, though she has not specified her exact location. The expulsion order, announced by the French Ministry of the Interior, claims that Fedorova's actions have harmed the state's fundamental interests and pose a serious and current threat to public order. According to documents reviewed by Libération, her presence in France is considered a risk due to her role as a conduit for Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing public order. The ministry described her as a voice of the Kremlin within French media, particularly through her work with media outlets linked to French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. Fedorova, who previously led RT France, has faced criticism over her alignment with Russian narratives. Her employer, Canal+ and Lagardère, which operate CNews and Europe 1 respectively, have publicly opposed the expulsion. In a joint statement, they condemned the measure as a severe blow to freedom of expression and the diversity of opinions. They emphasized that such freedoms must be defended even when views are controversial or unpopular, especially within democratic discourse. The companies noted their surprise at the decision, arguing that preventing Fedorova from participating in public debate would undermine both free speech and pluralism. In June, CNews had already drawn scrutiny from the audiovisual regulator Arcom for promoting a narrow range of viewpoints on issues such as security, the war in Ukraine, immigration, and Islam. The regulator warned the channel to ensure greater diversity of perspectives on air, threatening potential sanctions if compliance was not met. This context adds weight to the current controversy surrounding Fedorova’s expulsion, as it raises questions about the balance between national security concerns and media freedom. Fedorova herself has criticized the move as a new form of political pressure. Her lawyer indicated that she plans to challenge the expulsion order immediately, suggesting that legal proceedings could prolong her stay outside France. Meanwhile, her absence from the country has sparked broader discussions about the role of foreign influence in domestic media and the limits of free speech in times of geopolitical tension. French authorities have not commented further on the specifics of the expulsion order beyond confirming its issuance. However, the underlying rationale, linking Fedorova’s activities to threats against public order, has drawn attention to how states navigate the complex interplay between national security and individual rights. The case highlights the challenges faced by governments in regulating media content while respecting constitutional protections for expression. The situation has also brought into focus the influence of media conglomerates like Bolloré’s empire, which includes several prominent French media outlets. These companies have positioned themselves as defenders of open debate, even when it involves contentious or polarizing views. Their support for Fedorova underscores the ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies, media organizations, and government policies concerning the dissemination of information. As the legal battle unfolds, observers await developments regarding the outcome of Fedorova’s appeal and whether the French government will maintain its stance on her expulsion. The case continues to reflect the broader debate over the boundaries of free speech in a globalized world marked by ideological divides and international conflicts.
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