German-Russian Lawyer Accused of State Treason in Russia

Russia has charged German Moyzhes, a dual Russian-German national and lawyer, with state treason. Accusations claim Moyzhes assisted Russians in obtaining European residency permits. He is currently held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison following his arrest in St Petersburg. German officials are aware but lack consular access.

Russia has charged German Moyzhes, a dual Russian-German national and lawyer, with state treason, according to a report by TASS state news agency on Tuesday, citing law enforcement agencies.

Moyzhes is accused of helping Russians secure European residency permits and is now held in pretrial detention at Moscow's Lefortovo prison after being transferred from St Petersburg, TASS reported. The agency did not provide a trial date, and Reuters couldn't contact his lawyer for a comment.

Moyzhes is among several foreign nationals and dual citizens detained amid strained relations between Moscow and the West over the Ukraine conflict. He was arrested in St Petersburg in late May. A German foreign ministry official confirmed that Berlin is aware of Moyzhes' situation and is in touch with his family. Russia, however, has routinely denied consular access to German-Russian detainees for two years.

Treason charges in Russia can lead to life imprisonment, with acquittals being rare. Moyzhes worked for Avers Group Germany, a Cologne-based consultancy. It remains unclear if his arrest relates to his professional activities. The firm has yet to comment on the situation.