-
‘Brexit: no-one else dares speak of leaving’: President Macron
The president also spoke of the threat from the far-right, the need for more border control, simpler rules and more defence investment in a speech in Paris
-
Scams in France: watch out for these telephone prefixes
Stay alert to these numbers as they are often used by fraudsters
-
UK jockey gets French residency card meeting after public complaint
James Reveley asked about obtaining a titre de séjour after victory in prestigious ‘president’s race’ in Paris last weekend
Macron offers asylum to Russian TV editor who protested Ukraine war
Marina Ovsyannikova ran into the background of a live news broadcast yesterday with a sign reading ‘stop the war’ and ‘don’t believe the propaganda’
French President Emmanuel Macron has said France will offer protection to the Russian journalist who yesterday (March 14) staged a protest against the war in Ukraine by holding up a sign in the background of a live news programme.
Marina Ovsyannikova, an editor at Russia’s state TV Channel One, ran into the shot of a news bulletin with a sign that read, “no war. Don’t believe the propaganda. They’re lying to you here. Russians against the war.”
Her whereabouts after this was temporarily unknown.
The BBC reported this afternoon that it appears she is now on trial at Moscow’s Ostankino Court, and is being charged with organising an unauthorised public event, which could result in a fine of up to 30,000 roubles (€247), community service or 10 days in jail.
Absolutely astonishing. During Russian Channel 1’s evening news broadcast, a woman ran onto the set with a sign: “No war…Don’t believe the propaganda. They’re lying to you here.” pic.twitter.com/wBdFGtzTsg
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) March 14, 2022
Mr Macron, who was earlier today visiting a Ukrainian refugee centre in La Pommeraye (Maine-et-Loire), said France would step in to help her. It is likely he was not aware of her appearance at the Moscow court or the charges against her when he made the comments.
“We will initiate diplomatic steps to offer her protection, either at the embassy or through the asylum system,” he said.
He said he would propose this to Russian President Vladimir Putin during one of their now-regular telephone exchanges.
While on the visit, Mr Macron also said that the French government’s online platform to help host Ukrainian refugees had so far received 33,000 offers of accommodation.
He also stated that France is able to accommodate at least 100,000 Ukrainians.
You can read our guide here about the different ways you can support Ukraine from France:
Read more: How can I help Ukraine from France: Host, donate, support
Les Français ont massivement répondu présents pour aider et accueillir les réfugiés ukrainiens, par une aide humanitaire ou un hébergement. Le portail https://t.co/mmZYcNGFnP a déjà reçu près de 33 000 offres. Pour cet élan de solidarité : merci.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 15, 2022
Related stories
France prepares to welcome 50,000 to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees
How to give more money to help Ukraine (use France’s tax benefits)