French Researcher Faces Prolonged Detention in Russia Over 'Foreign Agent' Charges

A Moscow court extended the detention of French researcher Laurent Vinatier, accused of failing to register as a 'foreign agent' while gathering military information. Vinatier faces up to five years in jail. France has called for his release, labeling the detention arbitrary. His trial was delayed due to insufficient notice.

A Moscow court on Tuesday extended the detention of French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who stands accused of not registering as a 'foreign agent' in Russia while collecting military information valuable to foreign intelligence.

France has labeled Vinatier's detention as 'arbitrary' and has demanded his immediate release. Vinatier, who faces up to five years in prison, appeared in court but the trial was delayed until Sept. 16 due to lack of proper notice.

Independent news outlet Mediazona quoted Vinatier's lawyer stating that he admitted guilt, urging a swift verdict. Despite the defense's request for bail or house arrest, the court extended his custody until Feb. 21, according to state media.

Video footage from the courtroom showed Vinatier, in a blue shirt, behind bars and consulting with his legal team. Detained in June at a Moscow restaurant by FSB officers, Vinatier is an expert on the former Soviet Union and is employed by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

In July, Vinatier pleaded guilty to the charges, carrying a potential five-year sentence. His absence from a recent East-West prisoner swap has been noted.

Relations between France and Russia have further deteriorated. France recently placed Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, under investigation, aggravating tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed claims that Vinatier worked for the French state, calling the arrest a disinformation effort by Moscow.

The FSB alleges Vinatier used his contacts to gather military information for foreign intelligence, violating Russian laws that require registration as a foreign agent when involved in such activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)