Moscow Summons French Ambassador Over Detention of Diplomat in Paris
Moscow on Wednesday summoned the French ambassador and condemned Paris after a Russian Foreign Ministry employee was briefly detained at a Paris airport while entering the country on official business.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said French border police detained the Russian official on Sunday at Charles de Gaulle Airport, confiscating her phone and computer in what she called a “shameful spectacle.”
“What happened on April 6 at Charles de Gaulle airport has no explanation,” Zakharova said at a televised briefing.
She said the official was traveling as part of an official Russian delegation and held a valid French visa.
There was no immediate comment from French authorities.
Zakharova said Moscow had issued a formal protest to France’s Foreign Ministry and summoned its ambassador in response.
“As a result of the demarche, our colleague was eventually allowed to enter the country,” she said, adding that a consular officer waited nearly seven hours before being granted access to the detained official.
“We do not intend to let this go without consequences,” Zakharova said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an „undesirable“ organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a „foreign agent.“
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work „discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.“ We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
