MELEKHOVO, Russia (AP) — Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has called on his supporters to launch a broad campaign against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine as he faces new charges of extremism. The trial began at a maximum security penal colony in Melekhovo, where Navalny is currently serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court. Despite Navalny’s request for an open trial, the judge decided to close the proceedings. Navalny’s allies posted a statement on social media, declaring that the decision to close the trial was a sign of fear by President Vladimir Putin. Navalny announced the start of a campaign against Moscow’s decision to send troops to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to combat Putin’s lies and the Kremlin’s hypocrisy. He believes that despite the crackdown on dissent, such a campaign can be effectively conducted on messaging apps outside the authorities’ control. Navalny, who exposed official corruption and organized major anti-Kremlin protests, was arrested in January 2021 after recovering from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. He has rejected the new extremism charges, which he says could keep him in prison for another 30 years. Navalny’s trial is being held behind closed doors, with reporters watching the proceedings via video feed. Navalny’s parents were also denied access to the court and followed the hearing remotely. The new charges relate to the activities of Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation and statements made by his top associates. Navalny’s supporters have accused prison authorities of failing to provide him with proper medical assistance and have expressed concern about his health. The trial has drawn criticism from the German government, which has called for Navalny’s immediate release. The German government believes that Navalny’s imprisonment is politically motivated, as concluded by the European Court of Human Rights in 2017. However, providing assistance or observing the trial has proven difficult given the current state of relations with Russia.
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Rewrite article MELEKHOVO, Russia (AP) — Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has issued a rallying cry to his supporters to launch a comprehensive campaign against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine while he faces new charges of extremism. The trial commenced at a maximum security penal colony in Melekhovo, where Navalny is currently serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court. Despite Navalny’s request for an open trial, the judge decided to proceed with closed proceedings. Navalny’s allies took to social media to express their disappointment over the decision, considering it a sign of fear from President Vladimir Putin.
In a statement shared on social media, Navalny’s allies emphasized the urgent need to combat Putin’s lies and the Kremlin’s hypocrisy, highlighting Moscow’s decision to send troops to Ukraine. Navalny firmly believes that despite the government crackdown on dissent, supporters can effectively conduct this campaign on secure messaging apps beyond the authorities’ control. Notorious for exposing official corruption and mobilizing significant anti-Kremlin protests, Navalny was detained in January 2021 after surviving nerve agent poisoning, which he directly blamed on the Kremlin.
Navalny vehemently denies the new extremism charges, expressing concerns that they could result in another 30 years of imprisonment. The ongoing trial is being held behind closed doors, with journalists observing the proceedings remotely via video feed. Navalny’s parents were denied access to the court and followed the hearing remotely as well. The latest charges are related to the activities of Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation and statements made by his top associates.
Navalny’s supporters have raised concerns about his health, accusing prison authorities of failing to provide him with proper medical assistance. The trial has garnered international criticism, particularly from the German government, which has demanded Navalny’s immediate release. This aligns with the European Court of Human Rights’ conclusions in 2017 that Navalny’s imprisonment is politically motivated. However, due to the current strained relations with Russia, providing assistance or monitoring the trial has proven challenging for foreign government entities.
With these developments, Navalny’s call for a broader campaign against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine resonates among his supporters, who hope to counter Putin’s regime through alternative communication channels.
“Navalny’s call for action against Moscow’s activities in Ukraine shows his unwavering determination to hold those in power accountable. It is inspiring to see his supporters rallying behind this cause, determined to make a positive impact. Together, let’s hope their campaign brings attention to the crisis and fosters constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution.”
Navalny’s call to action against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine is a crucial move in standing up for justice and accountability. It’s inspiring to see supporters rallying together to challenge unjust policies and demand transparency. Hope this campaign brings about a positive change and holds those responsible accountable for their actions.