Russian Court Seeks Prison Sentence for French Researcher Amid Allegations of Espionage
On October 14, a Russian state prosecutor requested a Moscow court to impose a sentence of three years and three months on French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who is facing charges under Russia's foreign agent laws, according to reports from Russian state media. Vinatier, 48, was arrested in June on allegations of espionage and for not registering as a foreign agent. Russian investigators assert that he has admitted guilt for unlawfully acquiring information regarding the Russian military.
Vinatier's defense team has appealed to the court for a lighter penalty, suggesting a fine instead of a prison sentence and arguing that the prosecutor's request is excessively severe. TASS news agency reported this update, indicating that a verdict was anticipated later on the same day.
Employed as an adviser for the Geneva-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conflict resolution, Vinatier regularly travels for work purposes, according to his employer. The case has drawn attention not only due to its legal implications but also due to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals accused of espionage.
The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are expected as the court proceedings unfold.
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