1/ Two years ago, Russian lawyers Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin were arrested for defending the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

2/ In the early morning of Oct. 13, 2023, officials from Russia’s special forces unit and National Guard entered the homes of Sergunin and Lipster to arrest them. Kobzev was arrested near the penal colony, where Navalny was serving his sentence.

3/ The three men ensured Navalny had access to legal representation at a time of urgent need. They tirelessly advocated for better prison conditions for him, including challenging actions by the regime aimed at isolating him.

4/ These three are now serving a prison sentence of an average of four years and eight months for defending Navalny. After an unsuccessful appeal, they will soon be transferred to a Russian penal colony, where conditions are known to be extremely harsh.

5/ HRF calls for the lawyers’ unconditional and immediate release. Representing a political prisoner should never be a criminal offense.