French Researcher Sentenced to Three Years in Russian Penal Colony for Violating 'Foreign Agent' Law

Oct 14, 2024, 12:00 PM

A Russian court has sentenced French researcher Laurent Vinatier to three years in a penal colony for violating the country's 'foreign agent' law. Vinatier was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering military information on Russia without being registered as a 'foreign agent.' The prosecution alleged that Vinatier met with three Russians to collect military data. On Monday, the court announced the 3.3-year sentence. This case is part of a broader pattern of Russia targeting foreign nationals under its stringent laws.