Overview

• Two researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) were convicted for throwing bottles containing liquid nitrogen at the Russian consulate in Marseille on February 24, 2025.
• The scientists, aged 48 and 59, admitted to the act, describing it as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
• The incident caused minor detonations without injuries or significant damage, though Russian officials labeled it an 'act of terrorism.'
• The court sentenced the researchers to eight months of imprisonment, to be served at home under electronic monitoring, and imposed restrictions on their movements and weapon possession for five years.
• The Russian government criticized the verdict as lenient, accusing France of fostering anti-Russian sentiment and failing to protect diplomatic premises.