On October 14, 2024, French citizen Laurent Vinatier was arbitrarily sentenced to three years in prison for not having registered as a “foreign agent.” On February 24, this extremely severe sentence was upheld on appeal on the basis of legislation against supposed “foreign agents.” On October 22, the European Court of Human Rights issued a judgment stating that this legislation contributes to the systematic violation of fundamental freedoms in Russia, such as freedom of association, freedom of opinion, and freedom of expression.
France once again demands the immediate release of Laurent Vinatier and calls on the Russian authorities again to repeal the law on “foreign agents,” which goes against the human rights commitments Russia has made.
The French authorities are making every possible effort to provide our fellow citizen with assistance.