From RFI · · 1m 30s
France hits back at Russian ban on journalists and MPs
The EU approves fresh sanctions on Russia as Paris condemns Moscow's retaliation against four French citizens over the expulsion of a pro-Kremlin broadcaster.
In brief
The EU approves fresh sanctions on Russia as Paris condemns Moscow's retaliation against four French citizens over the expulsion of a pro-Kremlin broadcaster. The EU will sanction 150 Russian entities and 50 banks on Monday, mostly proposed by France, as Paris rejects Moscow's ban on two journalists and two MPs in…
EU approves new Russia sanctions
The European Union will approve sanctions against Russia on Monday targeting one hundred fifty additional entities and fifty banks, mostly proposed by France.
France condemns Moscow's retaliation
Russia banned two French journalists and two MPs from entering the country on Wednesday in response to France's expulsion of broadcaster Xenia Fedorova in July.
The four French citizens targeted
Le Monde reporter Ariane Chemin, freelance journalist Paul Gogo, and MPs Sacha Houlie and Arthur Delaporte were banned from Russia for their involvement with Fedorova's expulsion.
France rejects intimidation claim
Minister Benjamin Haddad said France will not be intimidated, noting the journalists and lawmakers are doing their jobs and fighting foreign interference.
“This is intimidation. France will not be intimidated.”
Why Fedorova was expelled
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez accused Fedorova, a former chief of Russia Today France, of relaying Russian propaganda to attack the nation's fundamental interests.
MPs see ban as political punishment
Delaporte told RFI the ban is worrying given Russia's attempts to influence France's presidential campaign and must be met with a French response.
“We must not give in to this latest attempt at intimidation. And France must respond.”
The big picture
The EU will sanction 150 Russian entities and 50 banks on Monday, mostly proposed by France, as Paris rejects Moscow's ban on two journalists and two MPs in retaliation for expelling a Russian state broadcaster.
