Kremlin critic Navalny reports new criminal charges
Alexei Navalny, a critic of the Russian leadership, has reported new criminal charges against him. He announced on social media that he had now been charged under Article 214 of the Criminal Code, which regulates vandalism.
"I have no idea what Article 214 is and I have nowhere to look. You will know before I do," he wrote in a post on Telegram, which was published by his staff. "In fact, a new criminal case is filed against me every three months. Rarely does a prisoner who has been locked up in a solitary cell for over a year have such a vibrant social and political existence."
The 47-year-old is serving a sentence of more than 30 years in a penal colony. He was convicted of extremism, among other things, but Navalny denies the charge. His political movement was banned, close associates were imprisoned or fled abroad.
In August, Navalny was convicted of new charges in connection with alleged extremist activities and sentenced to a further 19 years in prison in addition to the eleven and a half years he was already serving. He rejects all the accusations. They are politically motivated and aimed at silencing his criticism of President Vladimir Putin and his government, Navalny argues.
"This recent vandalism charge against Navalny, under Article 214 of the Criminal Code, adds to the series of infringements he's faced, as he continues to be a Kremlin critic."
"Despite the onslaught of criminal charges and allegations of vandalism, Navalny's disobedience and criticism towards the Kremlin have only strengthened, leading to further penalizations and restrictions."
Source: www.ntv.de
