Russian court sentenced French researcher Laurent Vinatier to three years in a penal colony on Monday for violating a law on registering as a “foreign agent”. The court’s decision has sparked outrage from the French Foreign Ministry, which has called for Vinatier’s immediate release, condemning the harshness of his sentence.
Vinatier’s case is just the latest in a series of crackdowns on foreign researchers and organizations in Russia, as the government tightens its grip on civil society and imposes stricter regulations on NGOs and individuals receiving foreign funding.
Vinatier, who has been conducting research in Russia for several years, was accused of failing to comply with the “foreign agent” law, which requires individuals and organizations receiving funding from abroad to register as such and label themselves as foreign agents. Critics argue that this law is being used to target and silence dissenting voices and independent researchers.
The French government’s response to Vinatier’s sentencing reflects the growing concerns over the state of freedoms and human rights in Russia. With tensions between Russia and Western countries already high, this case is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between Russia and France.
As the international community continues to call for Vinatier’s release, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by foreign researchers and activists working in Russia, where speaking out against the government can come at a high price.
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Video “Russia jails French researcher Laurent Vinatier for three years in ‘foreign agent’ case • FRANCE 24” was uploaded on 10/15/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English