Russian Court Closes Trial of Navalny's Lawyers on Extremism Charges

Three attorneys for the late opposition leader face up to six years in prison as the Kremlin intensifies its crackdown on dissent.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser were arrested in October 2023 and are accused of participating in an extremist organization.
The trial, held in Petushki, east of Moscow, has been closed to the public and media by Judge Yulia Shilova, citing potential provocations.
Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence, died in February 2024 under unclear circumstances in an Arctic penal colony.
Russian authorities claim the lawyers passed messages from Navalny to his team, continuing his political activities from prison.
Human rights groups, including Memorial, have labeled the lawyers as political prisoners and are calling for their immediate release.