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Paris, 21 January 2025 – The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger strongly condemns the sentencing to prison terms of lawyers Alexeï Liptser, Igor Sergounine and Vadim Kobzev by Russian justice on Friday 17 January. These sentences are yet another worrying step in the Russian authorities’ campaign of repression against those critical of Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Alexei Liptser, Igor Sergounin and Vadim Kobzev, who were respectively sentenced to 5 years, 3.5 years and 5.5 years in prison, were arrested in October 2023 for their role in defending Alexei Navalny, the main political opponent of Vladimir Putin’s regime. Alexei Navalny, who died in prison on 16 February 2024, was charged with extremism, just like his lawyers, who were prosecuted for ‘ passing on information facilitating extremist activities ’.
Their trial took place behind closed doors under conditions that violated the principles of a fair trial. The charges were based on illegal tapping of exchanges between Alexei Navalny and his lawyers, in serious breach of the fundamental principle of confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and his client.[1]
This verdict takes place against a backdrop of increasing repression in Russia against opponents of the regime and defenders of fundamental rights, particularly those denouncing Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine. Alexeï Navalny’s widow publicly denounced this decision and demanded their immediate release.
The Observatory stronglycondemns the decision of the Russian courts, whose aim is to silence the defenders of the defence.
The Observatory expresses its solidarity with Alexeï Liptser, Igor Sergounine and Vadim Kobzev, who have been persecuted for practising their profession as lawyers with integrity and courage.
The Observatory urges the Russian Federation to :
- Immediately release Alexei Liptser, Igor Sergounine and Vadim Kobzev, who are considered political prisoners;
- Guarantee respect for the rights of the defence and the principles of a fair trial, in line with Russia’s obligations under international law;
- To put an end to interference in the exercise of the profession of lawyer.
[1] United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of the Bar, Principle 22.
