Concerns over the designation of Russian lawyer Ilya Novikov as ‘foreign agent’ and his disbarment
Russian Federation
On June 16, the Russian human rights lawyer Ilya Novikov was stripped of his license to practice law by the Chamber of Attorneys of Moscow. Allegedly ‘indecent behavior leading to disruption of trust’ led to the decision. This was based on an interview which Mr Novikov gave to the Popular Politics YouTube Channel, in which he sharply criticized President Vladimir Putin for the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Mr Novikov moved to Ukraine a few years ago and continued his law practice here. He has gained prominence for defending Ukrainian nationals and human rights activists in high-profile cases in recent years. In November 2022, Mr Novikov was added to the list of “foreign agents” by the Russian Ministry of Justice which made it difficult for him to defend Russian human rights activists in the Russian courts. Shortly after, the lawyer was put on the wanted list in a criminal case but for unspecified charges. Subsequently, Mr Novikov’s picture and name have been shared. This violates privacy rights guaranteed by Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Lawyers for Lawyers would like to remind the Russian authorities that the Russian Federation has ratified and signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, Lawyers for Lawyers would like to draw attention to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, particularly Article 16(a), 16(c) and 23, which state:
16.Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (…) and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.
23.Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association, and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization. (…)
In view of the above, Lawyers for Lawyers respectfully urges the Russian authorities to reinstate Ilya Novikov to the bar and to withdraw any unspecified criminal charges against him.
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