Foreign Agent or Diplomat: The Case of Laurent Vinatier’s Arrest in Russia

On Thursday, a Moscow court ordered the pre-trial detention of Laurent Vinatier, a 47-year-old Frenchman accused of violating Russian law on “foreign agents”. As he presented himself in the cage reserved for the accused, he appeared disheveled and wearing a black shirt. In court, he offered his “apologies” for not registering as a “foreign agent” and claimed to have been carrying out Russia’s position in his work.

Laurent Vinatier is an advisor for Russia and Eurasia at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), a Swiss NGO. He was arrested on Thursday and is being prosecuted under Russian law that deals with “foreign agents.” If placed in pre-trial detention until August 5th, he faces up to five years in prison due to this legislation. This law has been used by Moscow to suppress its critics.

According to Tass agency, which quotes his remarks in court, Laurent Vinatier stated that he had two minor children, one of whom is disabled and requires care. He also expressed concern about being separated from his wife during the trial. His lawyer Alexei Sinitsyn requested that his client be placed under house arrest in Moscow with his wife rather than in a detention center. However, if placed under house arrest, Laurent Vinatier will still face serious charges. The terms of the press release from the Investigative Committee refer to a “targeted collection of information in the field of Russia’s military and military-technical activities,” suggesting even heavier charges against him if convicted.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that Laurent Vinatier was not working for France but only clarified that he would receive all consular protections appropriate in such case. Several sources suggest that Laurent Vinatier has been working on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine for many years as part of discreet diplomatic efforts parallel with states before February 2022 assault