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Russia releases French researcher in prisoner exchange

  • AFP--Digital Journal
  • published date: 2026-01-08 15:37:20 UTC

Russia said Thursday it had freed French researcher Laurent Vinatier in a prisoner exchange, more than 18 months after arresting him on suspicion of violating “foreign agent” laws that Paris had denounced as abhorrent. He was released in exchange for 26-year-…

Vinatier was serving a three-year sentence for violating Russian "foreign agent" laws - Copyright AFP/File Alexander NEMENOV Russia said Thursday it had freed French researcher Laurent Vinatier in a… [+2880 chars]