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French Researcher in Russian Jail Faces New Espionage Charge

On Monday, Laurent Vinatier, French researcher, is to appear at a hearing after Russian news agencies reported he faces espionage charges carrying up to 20 years in prison.
Vinatier was convicted under Russia's 'foreign agent' law, serving a three-year prison sentence after his appeal was rejected; he previously worked for a Switzerland-based conflict mediation organisation and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue.
Russian court documents allege 49-year-old Laurent Vinatier gathered military information valuable to foreign intelligence services, joining several Westerners charged amid the war in Ukraine.
The French government demanded Russian authorities free Vinatier, calling his detention arbitrary, while French President Emmanuel Macron denied state ties and blamed a Moscow misinformation campaign.
Diplomatic fallout includes concerns for international mediation given Vinatier's advisory role at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, amid France's accusation of hostage-taking and tensions between Moscow and Western countries.

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Le Monde

Lean Left

French researcher jailed in Russia faces new espionage charges

Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher already serving a three-year sentence in Russia, is now under investigation for espionage, a charge that could extend his prison term by up to 20 years.

1 day ago·Paris, France

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The Moscow Times

Lean Left

French Researcher Jailed in Russia Now Faces Espionage Charges

A French researcher who is serving a three-year prison sentence in Russia is now under investigation for possible spying, according to court documents seen by AFP on Wednesday.

2 days ago·Amsterdam, Netherlands

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TF1 INFO

Center

Already Imprisoned in Russia, French Researcher Laurent Vinatier Now Accused of Espionage

The French researcher was summoned to a new hearing, which was scheduled for Monday, August 25. He is facing a new sentence of 20 years in prison. - Already imprisoned in Russia, French researcher Laurent Vinatier now accused of espionage (International).

2 days ago

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Radio France Internationale

Center

French researcher in prison in Russia faces new charges of espionage

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who is already serving time in a Russian prison, is now facing espionage charges that could extend his sentence by up to 20 years.

2 days ago·Paris, France

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