Rights group Memorial says it has recognized three of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny's lawyers -- Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Aleksei Lipster -- as political prisoners as they are being prosecuted "in connection with their legitimate professional activities aimed at representing the interests of their client." The three were taken into custody last month for allegedly participating in an extremist community because of their association with Navalny and his foundation to root out corruption. "In Russia, a vicious practice has developed.... Absolutely legal actions become criminal only because those accused of them are declared 'participants of an extremist community,'" Memorial said. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Rights Group Memorial Recognizes Jailed Navalny Lawyers As Political Prisoners
Lawyer Vadim Kobzev appears in court in Moscow on October 13.