French Researcher Laurent Vinatier Pleads Guilty in Russia

French researcher Laurent Vinatier has pleaded guilty in Russia for failing to register as a foreign agent while gathering information on Russia's military. Russia's Investigative Committee announced the potential for a five-year prison sentence. Currently, Vinatier remains in pre-trial custody despite requests for his release from the French embassy.

French researcher Laurent Vinatier, charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information on Russia's military, pleaded guilty, Russia's Investigative committee said on Wednesday.

Vinatier, 47, could face up to five years in prison. He was placed in pre-trial custody until Aug. 5, despite a request to free him endorsed by the French embassy.