What's happened
Three lawyers representing the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are on trial for alleged extremism, facing up to six years in prison. Their trial follows Navalny's controversial death in February 2024, which has led to increased state repression against his supporters. The trial began on September 12, 2024, amid heightened tensions in Russia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the trial of Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin opened in a closed court session, reflecting the Kremlin's efforts to suppress dissent. The Moscow Times reported that the lawyers are accused of passing messages between Navalny and his associates, which authorities claim constitutes participation in an extremist organization. Al Jazeera highlighted that the lawyers face a maximum of six years in prison, emphasizing the serious implications of their trial for the broader opposition movement in Russia. The Independent noted that the Kremlin's actions against Navalny's supporters have intensified since his death, indicating a systematic campaign to eliminate dissent.
How we got here
Alexei Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, died in February 2024 while serving a 19-year sentence for leading an 'extremist' organization. His death has prompted a crackdown on his allies, including the arrest of his lawyers, who are accused of facilitating communication between Navalny and his associates while he was imprisoned.
Common question
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What Charges Are Navalny's Lawyers Facing in Russia?
The trial of three lawyers representing the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has begun, raising significant questions about the political landscape in Russia. As they face serious charges of extremism, many are left wondering about the implications for Navalny's supporters and the future of dissent in the country.
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