Russian security forces detained Ivan Pavlov, a lawyer who is defending Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) in an extremism case, one of his colleagues said on Friday.
“Ivan Pavlov has been detained, searches are under way. The FSB (Federal Security Service) is working,” Evgeny Smirnov, a lawyer from Pavlov’s team, said on Facebook.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Pavlov, who as a lawyer specializes in treason, espionage and other sensitive cases, is accused of disclosing classified information relating to an ongoing investigation, he added.
That offence is punishable by up to three months in jail, Pavlov’s legal team said.
Pavlov, who is based in St. Petersburg, was detained in a Moscow hotel, the TASS news agency said citing an unnamed source.
On Thursday, Pavlov represented Navalny’s FBK in a Moscow court hearing convened to consider a request from the Moscow prosecutor to declare the group an extremist organization.
The hearing was held behind closed doors as authorities say the case contains classified information. Pavlov spoke to reporters outside the court building.
Read more:
Russia expels seven diplomats from Baltic nations over ‘solidarity’ with Czechs
Top ally announces closure of Navalny’s offices amid crackdown
EU warns of ‘long, hard period’ in Russia ties over Ukraine, jailed critic Navalny
Also Read
-
Navalny’s life ‘in serious danger,’ needs urgent medical evacuation: UN rights expert
A group of UN rights experts expressed alarm Wednesday at the deteriorating health of imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and called for his ... World News -
Nearly 1,500 reported arrested at Alexei Navalny rallies in Russia
Police arrested nearly 1,500 people Wednesday during a day of demonstrations throughout Russia calling for freedom for imprisoned opposition leader ... World News -
Allies of Russia’s Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges
Close allies of jailed Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critic, pledged on Sunday to continue their actions despite the ... World News -
EU warns of ‘long, hard period’ in Russia ties over Ukraine, jailed critic Navalny
The EU’s foreign policy chief warned on Wednesday the bloc should brace for worsening relations with Russia after tensions soared with the Kremlin ... World News
