UN rights expert calls for end to Russia’s crackdown on lawyers
GENEVA (21 January 2025) – UN human rights expert Mary Lawlor on Saturday called on the Russian authorities to immediately end their escalating crackdown on lawyers who are defending political prisoners and human rights defenders, and to release all those who have been arbitrarily detained.
“The Russian authorities are waging a relentless campaign against lawyers who dare to stand up for human rights,” said Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. “They are being subjected to harassment, intimidation, disbarment, and even imprisonment. This is a clear violation of the rule of law and Russia’s international human rights obligations.”
Lawlor pointed to the recent case of Ivan Pavlov, a prominent human rights lawyer who was arrested in April 2022 on charges of “discrediting the Russian army.” Pavlov is currently in pre-trial detention, and his health is reportedly deteriorating.
“Pavlov’s arrest is a blatant attempt to silence one of Russia’s most respected human rights defenders,” Lawlor said. “He should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
Lawlor also expressed concern about the ongoing persecution of other human rights lawyers in Russia, including Mikhail Benyash, Vadim Klyuvgant, and Galina Arapova. All three lawyers have been subjected to criminal charges, disbarment, and other forms of harassment.
“The Russian authorities must stop targeting lawyers who are simply doing their job,” Lawlor said. “They must respect the right to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. The rule of law cannot be upheld if lawyers are not able to operate without fear of reprisal.”
Lawlor stressed that the crackdown on lawyers is part of a broader assault on human rights in Russia.
“The Russian authorities are systematically suppressing dissent and silencing independent voices,” she said. “This is a dangerous and destructive path that will only lead to further instability and isolation.”
Lawlor called on the international community to condemn the Russian authorities’ crackdown on lawyers and to take action to support human rights defenders in Russia.
“We must not stand idly by while the Russian authorities destroy the rule of law and dismantle the human rights movement,” she said. “We must speak out and demand that Russia respect its international human rights obligations.”
ENDS
For more information and media requests, please contact: Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or Liz Throssell (+41 22 917 9296 / ethrossell@ohchr.org) or
You can also learn more on the Special Rapporteur’s website: www.ohchr.org/en/issues/defenders/pages/defendersindex.aspx
UN rights expert calls for end to Russia’s crackdown on lawyers
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