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Trial starts for Frenchman accused of unlawfully collecting military information in Russia

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  • Trial starts for Frenchman accused of unlawfully collecting military information in Russia
  • September 16, 2024
  • Article Body Text MOSCOW — <p>The trial of a French citizen arrested in Russia on charges of unlawfully collecting information on military issues started Monday but was quickly adjourned for a month. </p> <p>Laurent Vinatier, arrested in Moscow in June, had earlier admitted guilt, setting the stage for a fast-track trial without a detailed examination of evidence. But quickly after the trial opened on Monday, the judge adjourned the hearing until October 14 when prosecutors will declare the sentence they will seek. </p> <p>Vinatier's lawyer, Aleksey Sinitsyn, said the trial was adjourned because the prosecution needed more time to prepare for final arguments. </p> <p>If convicted, Vinatier could face up to five years in prison. </p> <p>Detentions on charges of spying and collecting sensitive data have become increasingly frequent in Russia since it sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. </p> <p>Vinatier's arrest came as tensions flared between Moscow and Paris following President Emmanuel Macron's comments about the possibility of deploying French troops in Ukraine. </p> <p>Russian authorities accused Vinatier of failing to register as a &quot;foreign agent&quot; while collecting information about Russia's &quot;military and military-technical activities&quot; that could be used to the detriment of the country's security. </p> <p>The prosecutors accused Vinatier of collecting military information during his meetings with three Russian citizens in Moscow in 2021-2022. The Russian citizens weren't named in the indictment. </p> <p>Vinatier is an adviser with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Switzerland-based nongovernmental organization. The NGO in June said it was doing &quot;everything possible to assist&quot; him. </p> <p>The charges against Vinatier relate to a law that requires anyone collecting information on military issues to register with authorities as a foreign agent. </p> <p>Human rights activists have criticized the law and other recent legislation as part of a Kremlin crackdown on independent media and political activists intended to stifle criticism of its actions in Ukraine. </p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date September 16, 2024 18:26 EDT
  • Byline Associated Press
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
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