Darmanin noted that nearly a hundred applications were turned down specifically over espionage concerns. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such decisions were “unacceptable” and “undermine the freedom of the media.” He argued that France’s actions violated its commitments to the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) and other international organisations dedicated to media freedom. Peskov also called on relevant human rights organisations to react to these decisions.
