In London, on January 17 (Reuters) - a Russian court convicted three attorneys representing the deceased opposition leader of belonging to an extremist group, sentencing them to several years in a penal colony. Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser, and Vadim Kobzev were apprehended in October 2023 and officially listed as "terrorists and extremists" the next month. Following a trial conducted in secret in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow, they received sentences of 3-1/2, 5, and 5-1/2 years, respectively.
Yulia Navalnaya, the late politician's widow, urged for the immediate release of "Vadim, Alexei, and Igor," labeling them as political prisoners. Human rights activists criticized the prosecution of these lawyers, highlighting it as a new level of suppression of dissent against President Vladimir Putin's regime.
The rights group OVD-Info defended Navalny's lawyers, stressing that "Lawyers cannot be persecuted for their work." They emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law to prevent further erosion of legal principles.
Despite facing imprisonment, Navalny continued to voice his dissent through his legal representatives by engaging in social media and filing lawsuits. The attorneys were accused of facilitating his activities as the leader of an "extremist group" while incarcerated.
During the sentencing, supporters hailed the lawyers as heroes, showing solidarity as they stood together in a barred cage in court. Yulia Navalnaya disclosed recorded prison meetings between Navalny and the lawyers, underscoring violations of legal confidentiality.
Allegations of Navalny’s death being orchestrated by Putin have been refuted by the Kremlin. Navalnaya herself faces charges of extremist activities in Russia but aspires to return one day and even run for president.