UN rights expert calls for end to Russia’s crackdown on lawyers
2025-01-21 12:00
GENEVA (Reuters) – A United Nations human rights expert on Friday called on Russia to end its crackdown on lawyers and human rights defenders, saying the government was using “repressive legislation” to silence dissent.
In a statement, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, said she was “deeply concerned” by the recent arrests and detentions of lawyers in Russia.
“The Russian government must immediately cease its crackdown on lawyers and human rights defenders, and ensure that they are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals,” Lawlor said.
Lawlor said that in recent months, several lawyers had been arrested and detained in Russia for their work on politically sensitive cases. She said the lawyers had been charged with “trumped-up” offenses, such as “extremism” and “organizing mass riots.”
“These arrests and detentions are part of a broader pattern of repression against human rights defenders in Russia,” Lawlor said. “The government is using repressive legislation, such as the ‘foreign agents’ law, to silence dissent and intimidate those who speak out against its policies.”
Lawlor called on the Russian government to release all lawyers and human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained. She also urged the government to review its legislation on foreign agents and to bring it into line with international human rights standards.
“The government must create an environment in which lawyers and human rights defenders can work freely and without fear of reprisals,” Lawlor said.
The Russian government has not yet commented on Lawlor’s statement.
UN rights expert calls for end to Russia’s crackdown on lawyers
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