Imprisoned opposition figure Alexei Navalny was convicted on charges of extremism by a Russian court and sentenced to 19 years in prison, according to his spokesperson and Russian news agencies. Navalny, who is already serving a nine-year term on politically motivated charges, was found guilty of activities related to his anti-corruption foundation and statements made by his associates. This marks his fifth criminal conviction and his longest prison sentence, which his supporters believe is a deliberate Kremlin move to silence him. It is unclear whether he will serve this new term concurrently with his current sentence for fraud and contempt of court. The prosecution had originally demanded a 20-year prison sentence.
Navalny, who has been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, has been a prominent figure in uncovering official corruption in Russia and organizing anti-Kremlin protests. He was arrested in January 2021 after recovering in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he attributed to the Kremlin. Navalny’s allies argue that the extremism charges criminalize all activities of his foundation since its establishment in 2011. In 2021, Russian authorities declared the foundation and its offices in Russian regions as extremist organizations, subjecting anyone associated with them to possible prosecution.
Navalny, along with his associate Daniel Kholodny, stood trial in a closed-door hearing. The verdict was announced in less than 10 minutes, a relatively swift process in Russia. Navalny appeared in court wearing prison attire and maintained a defiant smile throughout the proceedings. His spokesperson confirmed the verdict on social media, while Russian news agencies quoted direct statements from the judge. It remains unclear what sentence Kholodny received.
Navalny has consistently denied all charges against him, labeling them as politically motivated. He accused the Kremlin of attempting to keep him imprisoned for life. Ahead of the verdict hearing, Navalny released a statement on social media, comparing his potential sentence to “a huge Stalinist term” and calling on Russians to resist and support political prisoners.
Currently held in a maximum-security prison, Navalny has faced disciplinary measures, including prolonged periods in a punishment cell, for minor rule infractions. Despite limitations, his associates called for supporters to gather outside the prison as a show of solidarity.
Navalny’s new prison term will be served in a “special regime” penal colony known for its strict security measures and harsh inmate restrictions. The timing of his transfer to this type of facility remains uncertain. Navalny has ten days to appeal the verdict, and the sentence will not take effect until the appeal is resolved.
Russia has a limited number of “special regime” colonies reserved for those serving life sentences or considered “especially dangerous recidivists.” The country has a higher number of maximum-security colonies in operation.
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