French citizen accused of collecting military data is jailed in Russia

A French citizen, Laurent Vinatier, has been ordered to be held in jail in Moscow pending investigation and trial for allegedly collecting information on military issues in Russia. The arrest comes amidst heightened tensions between Moscow and Paris following French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks about the potential deployment of troops in Ukraine.

Authorities in Russia have accused Vinatier of failing to register as a “foreign agent” while gathering information on Russia’s military and military-technical activities, which they claim could pose a threat to national security. The specific details of the allegations have not been disclosed, but it is reported that Vinatier made multiple trips to Russia to collect this information, a criminal offense under Russian law punishable by up to five years in prison.

During his court appearance, Vinatier reportedly admitted his guilt and expressed ignorance of the registration requirement. The judge ruled for him to be remanded in pre-trial detention until August 5. Vinatier, who works as an adviser for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, has received support from the NGO in securing legal representation and engaging with Russian authorities.

The charges against Vinatier are based on a recent law mandating registration for individuals collecting military-related information. This legislation, along with other measures targeting independent media and activists, has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The arrest of Vinatier is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia following its military intervention in Ukraine earlier this year, with several other individuals, including journalists, facing similar charges.