French Interior Minister warns CNews over Xenia Fedorova broadcast

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has warned the news channel CNews of potential criminal prosecution if pro-Russian commentator Xenia Fedorova returns to the air via video link. In a formal letter to Arcom, the audiovisual regulator, Nuñez signaled that allowing Fedorova to broadcast would constitute a circumvention of existing legal measures.

Fedorova is currently subject to an expulsion order issued in late July. French authorities accused her of manipulating information and public debate to the benefit of the Russian Federation, thereby undermining the fundamental interests of the nation. Additionally, her economic resources and funds have been frozen.

The dispute follows an announcement by the Bolloré Group-owned channel that Fedorova might return to the program ‘L’Heure Inter’ through remote video intervention. Fedorova has expressed her desire to continue her role despite her current legal status and technical challenges.