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French researcher to appear in court in Moscow on September 3

A French citizen accused of gathering intelligence on the Russian military and violating the country's “foreign agent” laws is due to go on trial next week, a Moscow court said on Monday.

Laurent Vinatier, who worked for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO before his arrest in Moscow in June, faces up to five years in prison if found guilty of the charges against him. France has called on Russia to release Vinatier, saying he was “arbitrarily arrested.”

Investigators say the 48-year-old Frenchman was collecting military intelligence that could be used by other states against Russia. Under Russian law, anyone who collects or shares material about the Russian military or intelligence services must register with the authorities as a “foreign agent.”

In previous court hearings, Vinatier admitted violating Russian law and apologized.

Vinatier, who holds a doctorate in political science, is a consultant at the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. and a researcher on Russia and other post-Soviet countries.

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