Kaliningrad lawyer Maria Bontzler, accused of state treason, stated she refuses to deliver her final statement and attend the verdict announcement if the court does not grant her an open hearing. In a letter from pre-trial detention dated October 14, she explained why she does not consider the proceedings just, reported worsening health, and claimed she is effectively denied the ability to defend herself.

Bontzler claims her health is deteriorating in detention, with difficulties controlling blood pressure and sugar levels. She also states her son Vyacheslav lost his job, causing financial hardship for the family. The lawyer alleges Judge Alexander Marochkin removed three of her defense lawyers and herself from the proceedings, which are now continuing in closed session. She asserts she does not receive meeting minutes and distrusts her court-appointed lawyer.