MOSCOW: Three lawyers for late Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny were convicted by a Russian court of participating in an extremist group.
Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser, and Vadim Kobzev were sentenced to 3.5, 5, and 5.5 years in prison, respectively.
Secretive Trial Held in Petushki
The trial occurred behind closed doors in Petushki, east of Moscow, drawing international criticism for its lack of transparency.
Prosecutors accused the lawyers of transmitting Navalny’s letters to his associates, enabling “extremist organization” activities.
Navalny’s Death Under Scrutiny
Navalny, serving a 19-year extremism sentence, died in February 2023 after reportedly feeling unwell in prison.
Russian authorities denied foul play, but Western nations and allies blame Russian President Vladimir Putin for his death.
Rights Groups Condemn Sentences
Amnesty International described the convictions as dismantling the right to legal defense in Russia’s justice system.
“This shameful act aims to silence those who defended Navalny,” Amnesty said, demanding the lawyers’ unconditional release.
Worsening Crackdown on Opposition
Human rights groups assert the verdict reflects the Kremlin’s broader repression against dissent and resistance to Putin’s authority.
“The authorities continue targeting Navalny’s associates to stifle opposition and suppress criticism of the Ukraine war,” Amnesty added.
International Condemnation
The U.S. condemned the sentences, labeling them persecution of legal professionals for carrying out their duties.
“This shows Kremlin efforts to undermine human rights, the rule of law, and suppress dissent,” said the U.S. State Department.
Global Call for Justice
Western nations and human rights organizations demand the Kremlin halt its crackdown and release those imprisoned for political motives.
The sentences mark another step in the Kremlin’s aggressive suppression of dissent, drawing intensified global criticism.