France Rejects Russian Journalists for Paris 2024 Olympics Accreditation

The Kremlin criticized France's refusal to accredit certain Russian journalists for the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing security fears. Over 4,000 applications were rejected, including some from Russia and Belarus, on grounds of espionage and cyberattack concerns. This decision further strains France-Russia relations, already tense due to the Ukraine conflict.

The Kremlin has expressed strong disapproval over France's decision to refuse accreditation to some Russian journalists for the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing security concerns. The move has been labeled as an attack on media freedom by Moscow.

France's acting interior minister revealed that over 4,000 applications for Olympics accreditations were denied, including some due to espionage and cyberattack worries. Specific refusals involved Russian and Belarusian applicants, reflecting the strained relations between the countries.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the refusal undermines media freedom and violates France's commitments to international organizations. The situation exacerbates already frayed relations due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with France backing Kyiv both diplomatically and militarily.

(With inputs from agencies.)