A French researcher, Laurent Vinatier, faces a prison sentence of three years and three months in Russia for violating the country’s “foreign agent” law. The 48-year-old researcher, working for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, was charged with gathering information on Russia’s military without being registered as a foreign agent, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
Vinatier has admitted to breaking the law, claiming he was unaware of the registration requirement. The state prosecutor requested the prison sentence, citing threats to Russia’s security. However, Vinatier’s lawyer argued for a fine, pointing out that his client had admitted his mistake and had no prior criminal record in Russia.
The “foreign agent” law, often used against Kremlin critics, was expanded in 2022 to require individuals collecting sensitive military information to register as foreign agents. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Vinatier’s release, dismissing the charges as propaganda. The Frenchman is an adviser at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva.
The verdict is expected soon, as the case continues to draw international attention and concern for press freedoms in Russia.