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Russia sentences French researcher to three years in a penal colony

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Laurent Vinatier, a 48-year-old French citizen, was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with breaking Russia's "foreign agent" laws. The charges stem from Vinatier's alleged gathering of information on Russia's military without being registered as a foreign agent. According to different sources, Vinatier admitted guilt and acknowledged violating Russian law, with some sources stating that he was unaware of the registration requirement. Vinatier's lawyers requested a fine as a sentence, but he was ultimately found guilty and sentenced. The French government described the court ruling as "extremely harsh".

    1. French authorities remain fully mobilised to provide assistance (to Vinatier).
    2. The legislation on 'foreign agents' contributes to a systematic violation of fundamental freedoms in Russia, such as freedom of association, freedom of opinion and freedom of expression.
    1. The court ruled to find Vinatier guilty and sentence him to three years in a general regime penal colony.
    1. We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal.
    1. I fell in love with Russia. My wife is Russian, my friends are Russian. I lived a Russian life, that's who I am.
    2. I'm asking the Russian Federation to forgive me for failing to observe Russian laws.
    3. I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case.
Russia sentences French researcher to three years in a penal colony