A new criminal case on espionage has been initiated against 49-year-old French political scientist Laurent Vinatier, who is also an advisor to the Swiss "Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue." This information first appeared in "Mediazona."
Details of the new charge became known through a document requesting an extension of Vinatier's arrest under an additional article. The specifics of the accusation have not yet been disclosed. The case was registered on August 20, and the hearing is scheduled for August 25.
In October of last year, the political scientist was sentenced to three years for collecting military data without registering as a "foreign agent." According to law enforcement, he illegally obtained information related to Russia's military and military-technical activities. Vinatier admitted his guilt, and the case was considered under a special procedure—without the presentation of evidence.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the charges against Vinatier as part of a "disinformation" campaign that Russia has launched in the context of the war in Ukraine.