A Moscow court has rejected the appeal for the release of Frenchman Laurent Vinatier, who was arrested at the beginning of June on charges of collecting intelligence on the Russian army. The court upheld the initial decision to place Vinatier in preventive detention until at least August 5, pending a possible trial.
Vinatier, a 47-year-old collaborator with the Swiss NGO Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, pleaded for house arrest during the hearings. He emphasized his deep connections to Russia, stating, 'I love Russia, my wife is Russian, my life is linked to Russia.' Despite his defense, the court remained unmoved.
The Russian Investigative Committee suspects Vinatier of gathering information on Russian military activities that could potentially threaten state security. This raises concerns that he might face more severe charges, including espionage, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Vinatier admitted during the initial hearing that he had not registered as a 'foreign agent,' claiming ignorance of a recent Russian law requiring such registration. This offense alone is punishable by up to five years in prison. Additionally, his property has been temporarily seized.
The arrest of Vinatier comes amid escalating tensions between Paris and Moscow, particularly around the conflict in Ukraine. The French consul in Russia, Patrice Servantie, attended the hearing, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the case.
The Frenchman’s arrest coincided with the detention of a Russian-Ukrainian individual in the Paris region, suspected of planning violent actions connected to a 'terrorist' organization in France. This sequence of events highlights the strained relations and mutual suspicions between the two nations.
- Laurent Vinatier works for the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Swiss NGO founded by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The organization focuses on mediating conflicts outside official diplomatic channels.
- The Russian authorities have increasingly used 'foreign agents' legislation to monitor and repress critics, especially since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Cases of espionage and high treason have surged in recent years.
- French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Vinatier's work during an interview, emphasizing the NGO's role in diplomacy and discussions. This case is seen as part of a broader pattern of Russian actions perceived as destabilizing and disinformation efforts in France.
