New trial against Alexey Navalny
After his return to Russia last year, and the subsequent arrest by Russian authorities, opposition leader Alexey Navalny is now facing yet another trial.
Navalny is now accused of embezzling money from his anti corruption foundation, which has been labeled an extremist and terrorist organisation and banned in Russia. He might face up to 10 years in prison, and has called the allegations politically motivated and false. The EU and U.S. have called for his immediate release.
Maria Pevchikh, journalist and longtime aide to Navalny, has said that the Russian authorities scheduled his trial to mid-February with purpose. Now it takes place at the same time as the deepening crisis in Ukraine, hence avoiding international dismay and condemnations.