During the UPR in 2018, the Russian Federation two recommendations with respect to investigating all reports of, and to bring to justice those responsible of attacks on, or threats against lawyers, and safeguarding the freedom of association of lawyers. Our report concludes that the Russian Federation has not adequately implemented the recommendations.

Lawyers for Lawyers has long been concerned about attempts to harass and disrupt the work of lawyers in the Russian Federation who act as human rights defenders or represent persons whose cases have a political dimension. The Russian Federation has repeatedly violated the rights of lawyers who are simply executing their professional activities. The individual cases that are mentioned in the report indicate that lawyers are subjected to physical attacks in connection to their professional activities. According to our information, the Russian authorities have not always ensured an effective, prompt, impartial and transparent investigation and prosecution of all alleged attacks, threats and violence against lawyers to guarantee the functioning of lawyers.

Moreover, since the adoption of the UPR recommendations on the rights of lawyers in May 2018, Lawyers for Lawyers has received information indication that several lawyers were restricted in taking part in a (lawful) association or assembly.

We urge the authorities of the Russian Federation to:

• investigate all reports of attacks on, or threats against lawyers and to bring those responsible to justice in a timely manner;
• guarantee that lawyers can perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference;
• safeguard the freedom of association, as prescribed in the Constitution, of the lawyers, in line with Preamble, and Principles 23 and 24 of the Basic Principles.

Click here to read the report.