Lawyer Vasily Dubkov, known for his association with the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has reportedly been detained in Moscow for allegedly “violating public order.” Dubkov had accompanied Navalny’s mother to the Arctic prison colony where Navalny passed away on February 16th. This latest arrest follows a series of crackdowns on individuals connected to Navalny’s circle, including lawyers Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Aleksei Lipster, who were arrested on charges of “extremism” in October 2023. Earlier in January, another lawyer, Olga Mikhailova, disclosed that she faced similar charges and opted for exile.
Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, under his leadership, was outlawed by Russian authorities in 2021 on grounds of “extremism.” The handling of Navalny’s body post his demise also drew scrutiny, with authorities withholding it for over a week. Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, confronted challenges when retrieving his body from the remote “Polar Wolf” jail, alleging threats from authorities who favored a clandestine burial.
Despite efforts by Navalny’s allies to organize a public memorial, logistical hurdles have emerged. Kira Yarmysh, Navalny’s press secretary, lamented on Tuesday that most venues approached for the ceremony had declined participation, citing various reasons ranging from scheduling conflicts to direct refusals upon hearing Navalny’s name. Some locations explicitly stated a prohibition on collaborating with Navalny’s associates.