MOSCOW, October 9 The FSB has opened a case of treason against former member of the Moscow Bar Association Ilya Novikov*, the lawyer is suspected of “switching sides” enemy,» the service said in a statement.
“The involvement of the former lawyer of the Moscow Bar Chamber, Ilya Sergeevich Novikov*, in committing high treason in the form of going over to the enemy’s side has been documented,” the FSB noted.
According to the investigation, the lawyer left Russia after the start of the military operation, and subsequently ended up in Ukraine. There he joined the ranks of the territorial defense, where, allegedly, he serves to this day, doing propaganda work.
“A criminal case has been opened against him under Article 275 of the Criminal Code,” the FSB clarified.< br />
This article provides for a punishment of 12 to 20 years in prison.
The Moscow Bar Association stripped Novikov* of his status in June, finding that a number of his statements violated the requirements of the code of professional ethics, according to which a lawyer must maintain honor and dignity, and also avoid “actions aimed at undermining trust in him or the legal profession.”
In Russia, Novikov* defended Ukrainian Nadezhda Savchenko, convicted of involvement in the deaths of Russian journalists and then exchanged for Norwegian Frode Berg, accused of espionage, as well as HSE student Yegor Zhukov, who was tried for participation in uncoordinated actions.
In addition, he participated in the case of Ukrainian sailors detained in the Kerch Strait. Novikov* with other lawyers took part in the processes to liquidate the human rights center «Memorial»** (foreign agent) and the «Foundation for Fighting Corruption»** (recognized as a foreign agent, an extremist organization and liquidated).
* An individual performing the functions of a foreign agent in Russia.
** An organization recognized in Russia as a foreign agent.