A criminal case of espionage has been initiated against French political scientist Laurent Vinatier, who was sentenced to three years in a penal colony for collecting military data without registering as a 'foreign agent', as reported by 'Mediazona'*. The day before, a motion to extend Vinatier's arrest was submitted to the Lefortovo District Court in Moscow.
After the sentence in the first case, Vinatier was held in Moscow's SIZO-7 'Kapotnya', but in early August, according to the 'VChK-OGPU' channel, he was transferred to the 'Lefortovo' detention center, where those accused in cases investigated by the FSB, including those on state treason and espionage, are held.
The 49-year-old Vinatier — an advisor to the Swiss 'Center for Humanitarian Dialogue' — was detained in the summer of 2024 on charges of collecting military data without registering as a 'foreign agent'. According to the investigation, he met with three Russians and collected information 'on mobilization, combat training of troops', as well as the political situation, which could be used against Russia's security.
The man pleaded guilty, and the case was considered in a special procedure, meaning without presenting evidence. In October 2024, the court sentenced him to three years in a penal colony.
* Recognized as a 'foreign agent' in Russia.
Photo: Mediazona