Three Former Lawyers of Alexei Navalny Sentenced for Extremism in Russia

A court in Russia has handed down prison sentences to three former legal representatives of the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny on charges related to extremism, as reported by the independent media outlet Mediazona.

The individuals, Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin, were detained in October 2023. They were accused of aiding Navalny's political efforts while he was incarcerated, allegedly by relaying messages between him and his associates.

Authorities alleged that the lawyers misused their professional roles to orchestrate and facilitate extremist activities. While Kobzev and Liptser contested the accusations, Sergunin reportedly admitted guilt during the proceedings.

The Petushki District Court, located in the Vladimir region, found the three guilty of engaging in extremist actions. As a result, Kobzev received a sentence of 5.5 years, Liptser was sentenced to 5 years, and Sergunin was given 3.5 years in prison. Following their release, all three lawyers are prohibited from practicing law for a period of three years.

Prosecutors had requested sentences approaching 5 years and 11 months for the defendants. Notably, the trial was conducted behind closed doors at the prosecution's request.

Several journalists and supporters gathered to witness the sentencing, but they were removed from the courtroom after a protester shouted a denunciation of the government. Mediazona confirmed that at least four journalists and one supporter were briefly detained while traveling to Petushki but were subsequently released after the court's decision.

The legal team for Liptser has announced intentions to appeal the ruling. Following the sentencing, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, expressed her views on social media, claiming that the three lawyers are political prisoners who should be released without delay.

This conviction occurs within a broader context of intensified repression aimed at individuals associated with Navalny. Furthermore, four independent journalists are currently facing trial on similar extremism charges, allegedly linked to their work with Navalny's organization.

In 2021, Russian authorities designated Navalny's political entities, including his Anti-Corruption Foundation, as extremist organizations, exposing their members, volunteers, and supporters to potential criminal prosecution.

Navalny himself was serving a 19-year sentence on extremism-related charges when he died under mysterious circumstances in February while imprisoned in an Arctic penal colony.