French Researcher Freed in Prisoner Swap with Russia

Russia has released French researcher Laurent Vinatier from prison. He was exchanged for a Russian citizen held abroad. Vinatier was serving a three-year sentence for violating Russia's strict "foreign agent" law. This law requires people who receive foreign funding and engage in political activity to register with the state. Russian news agencies reported that President Vladimir Putin pardoned Vinatier. In return, Russia will secure the release of detained basketball player Daniil Kasatkin. The United States has accused Kasatkin of cyber hacking. The swap concludes a case that had raised diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Paris.