Moscow releases imprisoned French researcher

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who was serving a three-year sentence in Russia for violating foreign agent laws, has been released as part of a prisoner exchange. This was confirmed on Thursday by both French and Russian authorities.

President Emmanuel Macron announced on social media that Vinatier is back in France and thanked the diplomatic services for their efforts.

According to Russia's FSB, the researcher was gathering sensitive information for Swiss intelligence services, but he was pardoned for "active repentance." He was arrested in Moscow in June 2024.

While in custody, he also faced investigation for espionage. In court, he expressed his love for Russia and recited verses by Pushkin. He worked for the Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue.

The FSB noted that the 49-year-old Frenchman was exchanged for Danil Kasatkin, a Russian basketball player detained in France who is wanted by the United States on suspicion of involvement in cyberattacks. Kasatkin denied the US allegations and flew back to Moscow on Thursday.

(reuters, max)