The United States has expressed strong disapproval of the sentencing of three lawyers, Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Aleksey Liptser. These legal representatives of the late opposition figure Aleksey Navalny received prison sentences for allegedly being part of an "extremist group." The U.S. government claims that the Kremlin's actions have turned defense lawyers into political prisoners by arresting and intimidating them while they were performing their duties to ensure a political prisoner had access to legal representation.
According to Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, "This is yet another example of the persecution of defense lawyers by the Kremlin in its effort to undermine human rights, subvert the rule of law, and suppress dissent."
The United States has called on Russia to release all political prisoners immediately.