UN Expert Demands Russia End Crackdown on Lawyers
Mariana Katzarova, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, has called on Russian authorities to release three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—who were sentenced to prison on January 17 over alleged “extremism” charges. Their cases were described as part of a trial heavily criticized for lacking fairness and transparency.
“The Russian Government continues to retaliate against lawyers simply for performing their professional duties,” Ms. Katzarova stated, marking her concern during the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer. She urged the immediate release of the three legal professionals and the annulment of their convictions.
A Warning to Lawyers
Ms. Katzarova described the sentencing of the three lawyers as a “chilling warning” to those representing politically sensitive cases in Russia. She criticized the charges as being without merit under international law, adding that the term “extremism” has no legitimate basis in international legal principles and violates fundamental human rights when abused to impose criminal liability.
Although the trial was conducted behind closed doors, approximately 50 people, including journalists and other lawyers, were permitted in the courtroom for the verdict. However, five others—four of whom were journalists—were arbitrarily detained to prevent their attendance at the hearing. They were later released.
“The persecution of lawyers and journalists is part of a broader and deeply concerning pattern of repression and state control aimed at silencing independent voices, whether in the media or within the legal profession,” Ms. Katzarova stressed.
Targeted Repression and Escalation of Control
The Special Rapporteur highlighted the Russian Government’s increasing efforts to suppress dissent. In her 2024 report to the UN Human Rights Council, she documented widespread attacks on lawyers, including imprisonment, intimidation, disbarment, and prosecution—all for simply fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
“Russian authorities frequently misuse counter-extremism, counter-terrorism, and national security laws to silence dissent, punish political opponents, and stifle anti-war speech,” she said. “These measures have also endangered and directly targeted defence lawyers, utilizing vague legal definitions and closed trials to further their aims.”
Ms. Katzarova emphasized that such practices run contrary to international human rights norms and must be brought to an end immediately.
About the Special Rapporteur
The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation was established by the Human Rights Council in 2022 and later extended. Ms. Katzarova was appointed to the position in April 2023 and began her role on May 1, 2023.
As an independent expert, Ms. Katzarova does not function as a UN staff member, nor does she receive a salary from the UN. She carries out her duties autonomously, serving in her individual capacity to monitor and report on human rights conditions.
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