Russian Court Sentences Nawalny’s Lawyers to Lengthy Prison Terms

Three former lawyers of deceased Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny receive harsh sentences for alleged extremism in a politically charged trial.

Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Lipzer, and Igor Sergunin were sentenced to 5.5, 5, and 3.5 years in a penal colony, respectively, for alleged involvement in an 'extremist organization.'
The charges stem from their work defending Nawalny and allegedly transmitting his messages from prison, which authorities claim violated Russian law.
The trial, widely criticized as politically motivated, coincided with the anniversary of Nawalny's 2021 return to Russia, a symbolic date for his supporters.
Observers and legal experts view the verdict as a warning to other lawyers to avoid taking on politically sensitive cases in Russia.
Nawalny's team and international rights groups have condemned the sentencing, calling for the immediate release of the three lawyers and labeling them political prisoners.