French Researcher in Russian Prison Now Under Espionage Investigation

A French researcher currently serving a three-year prison sentence in Russia is now being investigated for potential espionage, according to court documents reviewed by AFP on Wednesday.

The documents indicate that Laurent Vinatier is set to appear in court on August 25 in connection with an espionage case, which carries the possibility of a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Vinatier, who was employed by a Switzerland-based conflict mediation organization, is among several Western nationals who have been detained in Russia amid escalating tensions following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The French government has called for his release and accused Russian authorities of taking Western citizens hostage.

Vinatier was imprisoned last October on charges of collecting information about the Russian military and violating the country’s «foreign agent» law by failing to register in a Russian government database.

He served as an advisor at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue and is an experienced researcher specializing in Russia and other post-Soviet nations.