Russia bars two French MPs and two journalists from entering
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SeneNews
French MPs Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte, as well as journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo, are barred from entering Russia. Moscow justifies the measure by their « harassment » of pro-Kremlin commentator Xenia Fedorova and calls for her expulsion, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Russia is now barring French MPs Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte as well as journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo from entering its territory. The measure was announced on Wednesday by Russian diplomats, in response to the expulsion of pro-Kremlin commentator Xenia Fedorova.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the four French nationals were targeted for their involvement in the « harassment » of Fedorova and their calls for her expulsion. The commentator has been subject in France to expulsion and asset-freezing measures since late July, while the European Union froze her assets and banned her from travelling in September. The Kremlin considers these measures persecution targeting a media representative.
