Russia's Supreme Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention for Navalny's Lawyers Amid Extremism Charges

Russia's Supreme Court has extended the pre-trial detention of three lawyers who previously defended opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The lawyers face extremism charges, accused of passing messages from Navalny to his team. The defence claims a conflict of interest and improper evidence collection in the Vladimir region.

Russia's Supreme Court has extended the pre-trial detention of three lawyers who previously represented slain opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser—have been charged with extremism and are accused of passing messages from Navalny to his team.

The defence has alleged a conflict of interest, claiming the prosecution's evidence was gathered during a law enforcement raid deemed illegal and ordered by a superior court in the same region. The Supreme Court also refused to transfer the case to a different court despite these allegations.

Navalny's allies maintain that the charges are politically motivated, aiming to suppress the Kremlin's opposition. The case also highlights the broader crackdown on Navalny's network, classified as extremist groups in Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)