• Wednesday, 25 December 2024

Macron offers asylum to convicted Russian TV journalist

Macron offers asylum to convicted Russian TV journalist
Paris, 15 March 2022 (dpa/MIA) — French President Emmanuel Macron has offered protection to convicted TV journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, following a protest against the invasion on live Russian state television. "We will of course take diplomatic steps to give protection to your colleague, either in the embassy or in asylum," Macron said in response to a question from a French journalist. He said he would propose this solution very directly and concretely in his next talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "In any case, I would like us to have full clarity as soon as possible on her personal situation and the possibility for her to continue her work." Ovsyannikova was fined on Tuesday for holding up a protest poster against the war in Ukraine, plainly visible behind a news reader. Macron stressed France's solidarity with journalists reporting from Ukraine or in Russia on the conflict who were under pressure. France condemns any detention of journalists, the president said during a visit to a refugee facility for people from Ukraine.