MOSCOW [RUSSIA], A French citizen has been detained in Moscow, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Thursday, though he denied any connection between the man and the French government, CNN reported.
Macron said, "In no way was he working for France. Now we are very cautious, he will receive all the consular protection that applies in such a case. In the face of the brainwashing we are hearing, I want to tell the truth." I want.”
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, a French citizen, reportedly employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was arrested on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation."Video footage released by the Investigative Committee shows the man being held by security at a Moscow cafe before being taken into a military van.
According to CNN, the Investigative Committee alleges that the French citizen had been collecting intelligence on Russia's "military and military-technical activities" for several years without registering as a foreign agent.
"For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said.
An official of the Investigative Committee informed Russian state news agency TASS that the man had worked as a consultant at a non-profit organization handling Eurasian issues following the events in Ukraine in February 2014, which included mass protests in Kiev. But it included pro-democracy protests and ousting from power. Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.
Tensions between Russia and the West increased when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago.Amid rising tensions, many Westerners have found themselves detained in Russia.
American-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was detained last year while waiting for a return flight to the Czech Republic in the Russian city of Kazan, where she lived. Charged with refusing to register as a foreign agent, Kurmasheva arrived in Russia in May due to an urgent family matter, according to her employer, the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Russia expanded its law on "foreign agents" in 2022, signaling an intensified crackdown on free speech and opposition under Putin. Individuals or organizations receiving funds from abroad are now classified as foreign agents, as well as those who have "received support and (or) are under foreign influence.",
In 2023, Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich was arrested during a work trip and charged with espionage, charges he and his employer vehemently denied. He is in pre-trial custody, his custody has been extended till June 30. If convicted, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison, CNN reports.
Macron said, "In no way was he working for France. Now we are very cautious, he will receive all the consular protection that applies in such a case. In the face of the brainwashing we are hearing, I want to tell the truth." I want.”
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, a French citizen, reportedly employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was arrested on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation."Video footage released by the Investigative Committee shows the man being held by security at a Moscow cafe before being taken into a military van.
According to CNN, the Investigative Committee alleges that the French citizen had been collecting intelligence on Russia's "military and military-technical activities" for several years without registering as a foreign agent.
"For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said.
An official of the Investigative Committee informed Russian state news agency TASS that the man had worked as a consultant at a non-profit organization handling Eurasian issues following the events in Ukraine in February 2014, which included mass protests in Kiev. But it included pro-democracy protests and ousting from power. Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.
Tensions between Russia and the West increased when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago.Amid rising tensions, many Westerners have found themselves detained in Russia.
American-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was detained last year while waiting for a return flight to the Czech Republic in the Russian city of Kazan, where she lived. Charged with refusing to register as a foreign agent, Kurmasheva arrived in Russia in May due to an urgent family matter, according to her employer, the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Russia expanded its law on "foreign agents" in 2022, signaling an intensified crackdown on free speech and opposition under Putin. Individuals or organizations receiving funds from abroad are now classified as foreign agents, as well as those who have "received support and (or) are under foreign influence.",
In 2023, Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich was arrested during a work trip and charged with espionage, charges he and his employer vehemently denied. He is in pre-trial custody, his custody has been extended till June 30. If convicted, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison, CNN reports.
