Moscow is reportedly demanding the lifting of sanctions against Russian artists, including singer Polina Gagarina, who is reputed to be very close to the Kremlin.
By Frédéric Crotta
The arrest and imprisonment of Laurent Vinatier is a complete mystery. A few weeks ago, this French citizen had travelled to Russia as an expert working for the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). This Geneva-based conflict management and mediation organization defines itself as a non-profit association “founded on the principles of humanity, impartiality and independence”.
Accused of espionage
The French expert was arrested in early June by the FSB. In a press release, the Russian domestic intelligence service accused the French researcher of attempting to use his numerous contacts to gather military information “which could be used by foreign intelligence services to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation”. In short, accusations of espionage.
“The French citizen has fully admitted his guilt”, added the FSB.
Laurent Vinatier, 47, had pleaded guilty before a Moscow court for failing to register as a “foreign agent”, as required by Russian law. He was remanded in custody.
Concerts in aid of Russian soldiers
This case, which has received very little media coverage from the researcher’s family, is currently the subject of negotiations between the two countries. The most likely scenario would be an exchange with a Russian detained in France. But according to our information, Moscow would also like to see some of its artists “released” from sanctions imposed by Kiev. Early last year, the Ukrainian regime imposed sanctions on some of these artists, accused of supporting the invasion of Ukraine and taking part in concerts in support of Russian soldiers. In short, of being propagandists for the Moscow regime. Among the artists whose sanctions Moscow is demanding be lifted is Polina Gagarina. Aged 37, this singer is very famous in her country and, above all, is said to be very close to top Kremlin officials.
Provisional detention until August 5
No further information on ongoing discussions. But it is clear that the services of Stéphane Séjourné, the resigned Minister of Foreign Affairs, are monitoring the situation. The only certainty is that Laurent Vinatier has consular protection. It is not known where this expert on the former USSR is being held, and whether or not his conditions of incarceration are acceptable. Remanded in custody until August 5, Laurent Vinatier and his family are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Russian justice system’s handling of the case.
Athletes under a neutral banner
Last week, Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to sixteen years in prison by a court in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on espionage charges.
Against a backdrop of extreme tension between France and President Putin, this case comes at the worst possible time for Laurent Vinatier. Particularly as the Paris Olympics get underway, Russia is represented by only a tiny team of 15 athletes, competing under a neutral banner.
Frédéric Crotta