A Russian court on Monday sentenced French researcher Laurent Vinatier to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law. He was arrested in June for allegedly gathering information on the Russian army.
The 48-year-old was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering information on Russia's military without being registered as a "foreign agent".
Judge Natalya Cheprasova at Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court ruled that Vinatier was guilty and sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom heard.
Wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, Vinatier looked grave but calm as the verdict was read. He was not allowed to speak to media.
His lawyer Pavel Mamonov told journalists: "We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal."
The Frenchman had acknowledged violating Russian law, saying he was unaware he should have registered as a "foreign agent".
The prosecutor had requested a sentence of three years and three months, saying Vinatier "repented" but the case involved "significant threats connected to Russia's security".
Apology
Ahead of the verdict, Vinatier gave a final speech in Russian, even quoting the national poet, Alexander Pushkin.
"I agree with the charge fully. I fully admit guilt," he told the court.
"I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case," he added, apologising to Russia for breaking the law as well as to his NGO and family.
Vinatier's other lawyer Oleg Bessonov said the proposed sentence was "extremely harsh" and asked the judge to fine him instead.
French President Emmanuel Macron has demanded Vinatier's release, saying the "propaganda" against him "does not match reality".
Russia orders French researcher accused of spying held for six more months
When Vinatier's trial opened a month ago, it was immediately postponed because the prosecutor said he needed time to adjust his position due to new developments.
Vinatier had claimed that he was unaware of the requirement to register under Russian law, which imposes heavy administrative burdens and criminal sanctions on those labelled as foreign agents.
The "foreign agent" law, which entered force in 2022 has been widely used to crack down on Kremlin critics but not usually foreign citizens.
'I love Russia'
Initially, the charges raised concerns about a more serious accusation of espionage, which could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The researcher, an expert on the post-Soviet Union, was working for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), a Swiss NGO focused on conflict prevention and mediation.
"I always wanted to adequately present the interest and position of Russia on international relations in my work," Vinatier said at a hearing in July.
"I love Russia, my wife is Russian, my life is linked with Russia," he told the court.
This case comes amid rising tensions between Moscow and Paris, with Russia accused of destabilising actions and disinformation in France, while France faces criticism for its increasing support of Ukraine.
(with newswires)
