The trial of three lawyers who previously represented late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has commenced in Russia. Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with an extremist group. The trial is being held in Petushki, a town located about 100 kilometers east of Moscow in the Vladimir region.
According to Navalny’s allies, the lawyers are accused of using their roles as defense attorneys to pass letters from Navalny to his team, allegedly acting as intermediaries between Navalny and his designated “extremist group.” Navalny’s organizations, including the Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of regional offices, were declared extremist groups in 2021, exposing anyone associated with them to legal repercussions.
