About Laurent
Laurent Vinatier is a French researcher and political science scholar specializing in Russia and the post-Soviet region. He has served as an adviser for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Switzerland-based nongovernmental organization focused on conflict mediation.
In June 2024, Vinatier was arrested in Moscow on charges of collecting military information without registering as a "foreign agent," a requirement under Russian law for individuals gathering such data. He pleaded guilty to the charges, stating he was unaware of the registration requirement. In October 2024, a Russian court sentenced him to three years in prison.
The French government condemned the severity of the sentence and called for his immediate release, criticizing Russia's "foreign agent" legislation for violating fundamental freedoms.​​
About LVSG
The Laurent Vinatier Support Group (LVSG) is dedicated to providing solidarity and financial assistance to researcher and academic Laurent Vinatier, who is currently imprisoned in Russia. Our association aims also to provide a platform for his writings to reach a wider audience, raise awareness about Laurent's situation and advocate for his release.
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