A leader of the Russian human rights group Memorial, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, is standing trial on charges of discrediting the military.

The trial of Oleg Orlov opened in Moscow on Thursday. Memorial says Orlov pleaded not guilty to the charges. Russian media say he was indicted after investigators searched his home in March.

Memorial documented oppression during the former Soviet Union, and monitored human rights violations in Russia and Central Asia.

Russia's judicial authorities have ruled that Memorial should be dissolved. However, the group has continued to oppose the invasion.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the peace prize to Memorial and two other recipients in 2022, citing their efforts to promote "the right to criticize power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens."

Orlov's defense team reportedly includes Dmitry Muratov, a known critic of President Vladimir Putin's administration.

Muratov is the editor-in-chief of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. He is one of two journalists who jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. The Nobel committee noted "their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression."