Russia Launches High Treason Case Against Kremlin Critic Over His Anti-War Stance

Russian lawyer and Kremlin critic Ilya Novikov (file photo)

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on October 9 that it has launched a probe on a high treason charge against noted Russian lawyer and outspoken Kremlin critic Ilya Novikov, saying he "joined Ukrainian territorial defense groups" fighting against Russian troops invading Ukraine. In June, the Moscow Chamber of Attorneys annulled Novikov’s license to practice law. Novikov, who is currently based in Ukraine, has sharply criticized President Vladimir Putin online for the ongoing war against its western neighbor. In November 2022, the Interior Ministry added Novikov to its wanted list on unspecified charges. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.