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French prosecutors investigate Russian interference targeting presidential candidates
The Paris Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into suspected Russian disinformation campaigns targeting prominent French politicians ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The investigation, initiated by the prosecutor's office's section for the protection of fundamental liberties, focuses on the use of deepfakes, manipulated videos, and fake news reports designed to destabilize potential candidates.
Key figures targeted include former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Édouard Philippe, and MEP Raphaël Glucksmann. Disinformation efforts reportedly included false claims regarding Attal's health, specifically alleging he has Parkinson's disease, and claims that Philippe suffers from dementia. Additionally, Glucksmann's partner, journalist Léa Salamé, was falsely accused of bribing media outlets to favor his candidacy.
The French agency Viginum has linked these operations to pro-Russian networks, including Matriochka and Storm-1516, which are believed to be orchestrated by Russian military intelligence (GRU). The targeted politicians are noted for their consistent public support for Ukraine since the 2022 invasion. Gabriel Attal and Raphaël Glucksmann have both filed formal complaints regarding foreign interference.
Entities
Gabriel Attal · Paris prosecutor's office · Raphaël Glucksmann · Russia · Viginum · Édouard Philippe
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Attal filed a complaint on August 7 for foreign interference originating from Russian networks. lesinguliersete.fr · fr.euronews.com · zpravy.aktualne.cz
- [● 4 SOURCES] Édouard Philippe was targeted by false claims regarding his health and alleged dementia. lesinguliersete.fr · fr.euronews.com · zpravy.aktualne.cz · www.aktuality.sk
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Paris Prosecutor's Office opened investigations into suspected Russian interference targeting French presidential candidates on its own initiative. lesinguliersete.fr · www.aktuality.sk · fr.euronews.com · zpravy.aktualne.cz
- [● 4 SOURCES] The targeted politicians share a common trait of public support for Ukraine since the 2022 invasion. lesinguliersete.fr · zpravy.aktualne.cz · www.aktuality.sk · fr.euronews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Raphaël Glucksmann filed a complaint on August 12 regarding Russian manipulation of the election. lesinguliersete.fr · zpravy.aktualne.cz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Viginum agency attributes the attacks to the pro-Russian networks Matriochka and Storm-1516. www.aktuality.sk · zpravy.aktualne.cz
- [● 4 SOURCES] Raphaël Glucksmann's partner, Léa Salamé, was falsely accused of bribing media outlets to support his candidacy. lesinguliersete.fr · www.aktuality.sk · fr.euronews.com · zpravy.aktualne.cz
- [● 4 SOURCES] Disinformation campaigns used deepfakes and fake news reports to falsely claim Gabriel Attal has Parkinson's disease. lesinguliersete.fr · www.aktuality.sk · fr.euronews.com · zpravy.aktualne.cz