French Researcher Sentenced to Three Years in Russian Penal Colony

Laurent Vinatier was convicted under Russia's 'foreign agent' law for collecting military information without registration.

Laurent Vinatier, a French political scientist, was arrested in Moscow in June and admitted to not registering as a 'foreign agent' while gathering military data.
The Russian court sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, slightly less than the three years and three months requested by prosecutors.
Vinatier's defense argued for a fine instead of imprisonment, citing his cooperation and personal circumstances, but the plea was rejected.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly with France, amid broader geopolitical conflicts.
France has called for Vinatier's immediate release, denouncing the severity of the sentence and asserting that it violates fundamental freedoms.