Russian Court Sentences Navalny's Lawyers to 3.5 to 5.5 Years for 'Extremist Organization'

Jan 17, 2025, 07:58 AM

A Russian court has sentenced three former lawyers of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny to prison terms ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 years. Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin were convicted of participating in an 'extremist organization,' a charge stemming from their legal representation of Navalny. The sentencing took place in the town of Petushki in Russia's Vladimir region, where the lawyers were accused of using their status to help Navalny communicate with his allies while he was imprisoned. This move is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, with the lawyers' convictions drawing international condemnation.