Russia Sentences Navalny's Lawyers to 3.5–5.5 Years on Extremism Charges

Jan 17, 2025, 08:18 AM

A Russian court has sentenced three lawyers of opposition leader Alexei Navalny to prison terms ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 years in penal colonies on charges of participating in an extremist organization. The trial was held behind closed doors. The lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—were accused of facilitating Navalny's political activities from prison by allegedly passing messages between him and his allies. The verdict has been condemned by international observers, including Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as politically motivated and a step toward silencing dissent and undermining the rule of law in Russia. Additionally, police reportedly arrested several journalists who were en route to attend the sentencing hearing, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on freedom of the press.