Russia Sentences Navalny's Lawyers to Up to 5.5 Years in Penal Colony for Extremism

Jan 17, 2025, 09:08 AM

Three lawyers who defended Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny have been sentenced by a Russian court to prison terms ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 years in a penal colony on charges of participating in an extremist organization. The lawyers—Vadim Kobzev (5.5 years), Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin (3.5 years)—were arrested in October 2023 and later added to an official list of 'terrorists and extremists'. They were accused of facilitating Navalny's political activities from prison by allegedly passing messages between him and his allies. The trial was held behind closed doors, highlighting Russia's escalating crackdown on dissent that now targets not only opposition figures but also their legal representatives. This move reflects the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to silence opposition voices and undermine the rule of law.