French Researcher Sentenced to Three Years in Russian Prison for Violating “Foreign Agent” Law
A French researcher, Laurent Vinatier, working for a Swiss conflict mediation group, has been sentenced to three years in a Russian prison for breaching the country’s “foreign agent” law. The 48-year-old was arrested in June for allegedly gathering information on Russia’s military without proper registration.
Despite pleas for a fine, Judge Natalya Cheprasova handed down the three-year sentence in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible. Vinatier expressed love for Russia and recited a verse by a renowned Russian poet before the verdict.
France has condemned the sentence as “extremely harsh” and is calling for the researcher’s release. The “foreign agent” law has been widely criticized for suppressing freedom of speech in Russia.
Vinatier’s arrest comes amidst increasing tensions between Russia and Western allies over the war in Ukraine. The French President has denied any involvement by Vinatier with the French state, attributing his detention to misinformation campaigns by Moscow.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.