Russian Legal Obscurity: Navalny Lawyers' Trial Closed to Public

A Russian judge has closed the trial of lawyers for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny to journalists, citing potential provocations. The lawyers were detained in October, charged with extremism, and held in pre-trial detention. Navalny's supporters argue for legal transparency and oppose the decision.

A Russian judge has ordered that the trial of the three lawyers representing the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny be closed to journalists and the public. Citing the potential for provocations from Navalny's allies abroad, the judge's decision has sparked controversy, as reported by Mediazona, an independent news site.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser were detained last October and accused of belonging to an 'extremist' group. This charge can carry a sentence of up to six years in prison. Since their detention, they have been added to Russia's list of 'terrorists and extremists' and have remained in pre-trial custody.

Navalny's mysterious death in an Arctic penal colony in February has only amplified scrutiny of Russia's judicial process. In November, Navalny's political movement, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), was banned. The state prosecutor supporting Judge Yulia Shilova's decision to close the current trial claimed that Navalny's exiled allies could potentially influence witnesses and trial proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)