Laurent Vinatier, arrested by Russian authorities, pleaded guilty

Photo: Laurent Vinatier during a court hearing

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, accused by Russian judicial authorities of violating Russian legislation on “foreign agents”, pleaded guilty during a court hearing held on Monday, September 16.

This was reported by Russian media, Reuters reports.

Russian state news agency RIA notes that a court in Moscow has agreed to try Vinatier's case under a special regime.

According to RIA, the special regime means that the punishment cannot exceed two-thirds of the maximum five-year term for the crime, meaning Vinatier's prison sentence will likely not significantly exceed three years.

In June, Vinatier was arrested by the FSB and charged with failing to register as a “foreign agent” while gathering military information.

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France said Vinatier had been detained arbitrarily and called on Russian authorities to release him immediately.

Independent news site Mediazona reported that Vinatier's case is related to meetings he held with three Russians between April 2021 and August 2022.

During the meetings, Vinatier collected data “on the mobilization, combat training of troops” and other information related to Russia's national security, Mediazona reported, citing the indictment.

The indictment says Vinatier asked one of the Russians – whom the publication did not name – whether he was a member of the Russian armed forces or not. “on the deployment of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine,” Mediazona reports.

Vinatier specializes in Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia and has worked for the past 10 years at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Swiss organization that plays a mediating role in conflict resolution.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga