Russian Court Sentences Three Lawyers of Alexei Navalny to Prison Terms

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A court in Russia's Vladimir region has sentenced three former lawyers of opposition leader Alexei Navalny to prison terms of several years each. Vadim Kobzev received a five-year sentence, while Igor Sergunin and Alexej Liptser were sentenced to three and a half years respectively. The sentencing, delivered on January 17, 2025, follows their arrest in October 2023 amid accusations of connections to extremist groups.

The court’s decision has raised concerns regarding the ongoing repression of dissent in Russia, particularly against those associated with Navalny's organizations, which have been classified as extremist by the authorities. The case signals a broader strategy to deter legal professionals from engaging in political cases, as noted by reports from the Associated Press.

Navalny, who was a prominent critic of the Russian government, died in custody in February 2024 after being convicted on similar extremist charges. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, condemned the recent sentencing of the lawyers, labeling them political prisoners for merely performing their legal duties. The situation highlights the intensified pressure faced by advocates of political change in Russia.

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