Well, it seems as if you don't agree with the basic principle that the severity of the punishment should be proportionate to the severity of the crime. If the facts are as stated, and absolutely no actual espionage was engaged in, not even on behalf of an ally, life imprisonment is much too harsh for a relatively minor offense.
Life imprisonment is generally reserved for crimes like aggravated homicides. No one was killed nor physically harmed here as far as we know.
It is possible.
20 years hard labor is an alternative I also suggested.
That being said, I think the current sentences may be a bit light if, in fact, he is found to be guilty of spying on his country.
I guess I'm just old fashioned that way.