While collecting what authorities said was intelligence about Russia’s military, Laurent Vinatier, an employee of a conflict mediation non-governmental organization based in Switzerland, was arrested in June.
Vinatier apologized in a Russian-language hearing, stating that he was not aware that he needed to register. Alexander Pushkin, a Russian poet, recited a verse by the 48-year-old, who had previously confessed his guilt.
France called for the researcher’s immediate release, calling the court’s ruling “extremely harsh.” Vinatier would file an appeal, according to his defense team.
24 inmates are released in the largest Russia-West swap since the Cold War.
Russian prisoners who were released reunite with their families.At the Zamoskvoretsky district court in Moscow, Judge Natalia Cheprasova declared on Monday: “The court ruled to find Vinatier guilty and sentence him to three years in a general regime penal colony.”
Three years and three months in prison was the sentence that state prosecutors had requested. They had contended that Vinatier’s knowledge might have been utilized against Russia.
Vinatier expressed his love for Russia and expressed regret for his acts during the court. He was wearing trousers and a blue open-necked shirt, and he showed no expression as the conviction against him was announced.
According to the news agency, he ended his remarks by quoting a poem by Pushkin called “If Life Deceives You,” which talks about having the patience to know that better times are coming.
