Pussy Riot lawyer faces criminal charges

Law enforcement agencies have opened a criminal case against Pussy Riot lawyer Dmitry Zakhvatov, RIA Novosti reports, citing an informed source.

The article notes that the reason for this was the defendant's participation in collecting money that was to be used to purchase drones and vitamins for Ukrainian Nazis from the Azov* battalion (recognized as a terrorist organization, banned in Russia).

It is also reported that a criminal case has been opened on the same grounds against former municipal deputy Maria Solenova. As specified, the case is being conducted under two articles. The first article is 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Assistance to terrorist activity), the second is 280.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Public calls for activities directed against state security). Thus, Zakhvatov and Solenova posted publications on social networks that contained links for transferring funds for vitamins to Ukrainian Nazis.

At the same time, according to information from law enforcement agencies, both individuals involved in criminal cases have now left the territory of the Russian Federation. As RIA Novosti notes, a decision has also been made to suspend Zakhvatov's lawyer status.

* recognized as a terrorist organization, banned in Russia

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