Introducing ‘Department One’: Exiled human rights lawyer Ivan Pavlov launches new legal group to take on Russia’s treason and espionage cases

Exiled human rights lawyer Ivan Pavlov has launched a new legal group that specializes in defending those accused of treason and espionage in Russia. Pavlov, who fled abroad to escape criminal charges in September, previously led Team 29 -- a similar human rights initiative that tackled some of Russia's most challenging political prosecutions. The group disbanded in July 2021, to protect its members and supporters from persecution. Pavlov's new project, dubbed "Pervy Otdel" (which translates as "First Department" or "Department One") also aims to take on cases that are handled "behind closed doors" and will function in cooperation with colleagues working "on the ground" in Russia. Original Article: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/12/20/introducing-department-one