Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Monday (July 11) launched an international anti-corruption organisation. The Russian opposition leader has taken the step a year after his Russian Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) was outlawed as extremist. Navalny sends messages on his Telegram channel. The messages are carried from him by his lawyers who are allowed to contact him in the jail. The Telegram channel said that fund's advisory board would include former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, political scientist Francis Fukuyama, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and historian Anne Applebaum, and Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya.

Alexei Navalny, a long-time critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin had cataloged wealth of senior Russian officials using his foundation. He had made a series of&nbsp;caustic and widely watched videos

Last year, court ruling outlawed Navalny's older Foundation and in effect prohibitted his allies from running in elections. The ruling also gave authorities power to jail ACF acitivists and freeze their bank accounts.

On Monday, Navalny's social media feed said that his new foundation (Anti-Corruption Foundation International) will be&nbsp; "completely transparent and understandable". It was said that first funds for the foundation would come from 50,000 euro Sakharov Prize that Navalny received from European Parliament&nbsp;last year.

"As always, we are counting on your help and support, and we promise that we will work well," Navalny was quoted as saying.

In 2020, Navalny was jailed for violating bail conditions. At that time, he had returned from Germany, He was recovering from near-fatal poisoning with a Soviet-era toxin. He was allegedly poisoned when in Russia.

He was handed a fresh nine-year sentence this year for fraud and contempt of court. He maintains that the charges against him were fabricated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Monday (July 11) launched an international anti-corruption organisation. The Russian opposition leader has taken the step a year after his Russian Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) was outlawed as extremist.

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Monday (July 11) launched an international anti-corruption organisation. The Russian opposition leader has taken the step a year after his Russian Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) was outlawed as extremist. Navalny sends messages on his Telegram channel. The messages are carried from him by his lawyers who are allowed to contact him in the jail. The Telegram channel said that fund's advisory board would include former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, political scientist Francis Fukuyama, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and historian Anne Applebaum, and Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya. Alexei Navalny, a long-time critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin had cataloged wealth of senior Russian officials using his foundation. He had made a series of caustic and widely watched videos Last year, court ruling outlawed Navalny's older Foundation and in effect prohibitted his allies from running in elections. The ruling also gave authorities power to jail ACF acitivists and freeze their bank accounts. On Monday, Navalny's social media feed said that his new foundation (Anti-Corruption Foundation International) will be "completely transparent and understandable". It was said that first funds for the foundation would come from 50,000 euro Sakharov Prize that Navalny received from European Parliament last year. "As always, we are counting on your help and support, and we promise that we will work well," Navalny was quoted as saying. In 2020, Navalny was jailed for violating bail conditions. At that time, he had returned from Germany, He was recovering from near-fatal poisoning with a Soviet-era toxin. He was allegedly poisoned when in Russia. He was handed a fresh nine-year sentence this year for fraud and contempt of court. He maintains that the charges against him were fabricated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny launches new anti-corruption fund

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been moved to a high-security penal colony, his allies said on Tuesday (June 14). Safety concerns have been raised over the shift.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been moved to a high-security penal colony, his allies said on Tuesday (June 14). Safety concerns have been raised over the shift. Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader, was originally in a prison around 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Moscow. He is serving for violating parole on old fraud charges. In March, the 46-year-old had his jail time extended to nine years. He was found guilty of embezzling donations to his political organisations and contempt of court. Olga Mikhailova, one of Navalny's lawyers. said that the officials at his penal colony reported he had been transferred to a strict regime colony. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on Twitter: "The problem with his transfer to another colony is not only that the high-security colony is much scarier." "As long as we don't know where Alexei is, he remains one-on-one with the system that has already tried to kill him, so our main task now is to locate him as soon as possible," she added. Maria Pevchikh, who is one of his close allies tweeted that Navalny did not show up for the meeting with his lawyers. "We have no further information on where Navalny is being taken," she added. The Russian authorities did not disclose the location of the new penal colony. As per news agencies, it is thought to have harsher conditions than his current prison in the town of Pokrov. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had his nine-year prison sentence appeal rejected by a Russian court. During the hearing, he slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion into Ukraine.

Navalny's appeal against jail sentence rejected, he slams Putin for war in Ukraine

A Russian court found jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny guilty of large-scale fraud. Navalny has been sentenced an extra nine years in Jail.

Russian court finds Alexei Navalny guilty of large scale frauds

The team of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has published details about a superyacht that they suspect belongs to President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny's team links $700 million superyacht to Putin

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement.

The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended.&nbsp;

As reported by AFP, "Navalny committed fraud -- the theft of property by an organised group," said judge Margarita Kotova.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-navalny-a-terrorist-russia-adds-kremlin-critic-allies-to-terrorists-list-us-eu-condemn-the-move-447614">Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move</a>

He was also found guilty on a lesser charge of contempt of court.&nbsp;Navalny has denied&nbsp;the charges.

Last year, Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal domestic critics, was jailed on old fraud charges after surviving a poison attack with Novichok nerve agent, which he blames on the Kremlin.

On Tuesday, Navalny was tried on additional embezzlement and contempt of court charges at the prison colony outside Moscow, where he has already been incarcerated for two-and-a-half years.

Researchers allege that Navalny stole several million dollars in donations given to his political organisations for personal use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-team-calls-for-civil-disobedience-to-protest-ukraine-invasion-457900">Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion</a>

Last week, the prosecutor requested that Navalny's sentence be extended to 13 years and that he be put into a "strict regime" prison colony, where he would face harsher conditions.

While a conviction on corruption charges can result in up to ten years in prison, a conviction on contempt of court can result in up to six months in jail.

Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of 1.2 million rubles ($11,500 or 10,500 euros).

Russia restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram this month, as well as blocked the websites of several independent news outlets as part of its effort to control the information available to its domestic audience.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia files new charges against Alexei Navalny

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In addition, Russia is increasing pressure on independent media and NGOs, declaring many of them "foreign agents" while others themselves have ceased operating for fear of prosecution.&nbsp;

Media outlets closed down in response to a new law that proposed up to 15 years in jail for spreading "fake news" about what Russia calls its "military operation" in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement.

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement. The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended. As reported by AFP, "Navalny committed fraud -- the theft of property by an organised group," said judge Margarita Kotova. Also read | Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move He was also found guilty on a lesser charge of contempt of court. Navalny has denied the charges. Last year, Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal domestic critics, was jailed on old fraud charges after surviving a poison attack with Novichok nerve agent, which he blames on the Kremlin. On Tuesday, Navalny was tried on additional embezzlement and contempt of court charges at the prison colony outside Moscow, where he has already been incarcerated for two-and-a-half years. Researchers allege that Navalny stole several million dollars in donations given to his political organisations for personal use. Also read | Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion Last week, the prosecutor requested that Navalny's sentence be extended to 13 years and that he be put into a "strict regime" prison colony, where he would face harsher conditions. While a conviction on corruption charges can result in up to ten years in prison, a conviction on contempt of court can result in up to six months in jail. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of 1.2 million rubles ($11,500 or 10,500 euros). Russia restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram this month, as well as blocked the websites of several independent news outlets as part of its effort to control the information available to its domestic audience. Watch | Russia files new charges against Alexei Navalny In addition, Russia is increasing pressure on independent media and NGOs, declaring many of them "foreign agents" while others themselves have ceased operating for fear of prosecution. Media outlets closed down in response to a new law that proposed up to 15 years in jail for spreading "fake news" about what Russia calls its "military operation" in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's brutal repression of dissent: Kremlin critic Navalny found guilty of embezzlement

If allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are to be believed, a 460ft superyacht, which is presently moored in the port of Marina di Carrara off the west coast of Italy, belongs to Russian President Vladimir Putin. &nbsp;

Navalny's anti-corruption unit has asked the Italian authorities to seize the $700 million vessel. They have offered to prove that it is owned by the Russian leader. &nbsp;

The superyacht’s owner is not publicly listed. It measures 140-metres in length and has several luxury features including two helipads. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-politicians-wife-nabbed-with-28-mn-eu13-mn-cash-stashed-in-suitcases-in-hungary-464483" hreflang="en">Ukrainian politician’s wife nabbed with $28 mn, €1.3 mn cash stashed in suitcases in Hungary</a>

The six-deck yacht called 'Scheherezade' has a space equivalent to two apartment blocks, a spa and beauty salon.

The team, which had conducted a probe, has also shared a video of luxury assets of Putin and his family in Europe.&nbsp;

The video, which has been shared on Navalny's Youtube channel by presenters Georgy Alburov and Maria Pevchikh, shows that the captain of the ship is British. The rest of the crew is from the FSO and FSB, the two Russian secret services. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-looking-to-use-biological-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine-says-biden-464442">Putin looking to use biological, chemical weapons in Ukraine, claims Biden</a>

On social media, Pevchikh said, "We've been investigating Putin's corruption for over a decade, and there is one thing we know for sure – Putin never keeps assets under his own name.” &nbsp;

“A dozen of Putin's personal guards and servants are constantly maintaining one of the world's largest yachts, docked in an Italian port. We think that this is solid enough proof that Scheherezade belongs to Putin himself and must be immediately seized," Pevchikh added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are to be believed, a 460ft superyacht, which is presently moored in the port of Marina di Carrara off the west coast of Italy, belongs to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

If allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are to be believed, a 460ft superyacht, which is presently moored in the port of Marina di Carrara off the west coast of Italy, belongs to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's anti-corruption unit has asked the Italian authorities to seize the $700 million vessel. They have offered to prove that it is owned by the Russian leader. The superyacht’s owner is not publicly listed. It measures 140-metres in length and has several luxury features including two helipads. Also Read: Ukrainian politician’s wife nabbed with $28 mn, €1.3 mn cash stashed in suitcases in Hungary The six-deck yacht called 'Scheherezade' has a space equivalent to two apartment blocks, a spa and beauty salon. The team, which had conducted a probe, has also shared a video of luxury assets of Putin and his family in Europe. The video, which has been shared on Navalny's Youtube channel by presenters Georgy Alburov and Maria Pevchikh, shows that the captain of the ship is British. The rest of the crew is from the FSO and FSB, the two Russian secret services. Also Read: Putin looking to use biological, chemical weapons in Ukraine, claims Biden On social media, Pevchikh said, "We've been investigating Putin's corruption for over a decade, and there is one thing we know for sure – Putin never keeps assets under his own name.” “A dozen of Putin's personal guards and servants are constantly maintaining one of the world's largest yachts, docked in an Italian port. We think that this is solid enough proof that Scheherezade belongs to Putin himself and must be immediately seized," Pevchikh added. (With inputs from agencies)

Does this $700 million superyacht belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin?  

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us. But that's not right," the Navalny team wrote on its Twitter account.

"We must show that we do not support the war. We call on Russians to show civil disobedience. Do not be silent."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-in-ukraines-kharkiv-violates-laws-of-war-european-union-457796">Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union</a>

Navalny is most prominent of opposition leaders who fiercely criticises Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was jailed last year after returning to Germany post recovery from a poisoning attempt. Laboratory tests had revealed that it was Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Navalny had accused Putin of trying to kill him.

Russia denied carrying out such an attack.

Since then, authorities have clamped down even more tightly on his movement, and key figures have fled into exile after being designated by the authorities as "foreign agents".

The OVD-Info group which monitors protests and arrests in Russia said 6,006 people had so far been arrested for anti-war demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.27 in what Putin said was a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country. Ukraine and the West have dismissed that justification as baseless propaganda.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us.

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us. But that's not right," the Navalny team wrote on its Twitter account. "We must show that we do not support the war. We call on Russians to show civil disobedience. Do not be silent." Also Read | Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union Navalny is most prominent of opposition leaders who fiercely criticises Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was jailed last year after returning to Germany post recovery from a poisoning attempt. Laboratory tests had revealed that it was Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Navalny had accused Putin of trying to kill him. Russia denied carrying out such an attack. Since then, authorities have clamped down even more tightly on his movement, and key figures have fled into exile after being designated by the authorities as "foreign agents". The OVD-Info group which monitors protests and arrests in Russia said 6,006 people had so far been arrested for anti-war demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.27 in what Putin said was a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country. Ukraine and the West have dismissed that justification as baseless propaganda. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years. Navalany is currently in jail.

He was jailed last year. Navalny, most vocal domestic critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has survived a poisoning attempt last year. He blames Russian government for the attack.

The Moscow Lefortovsky district court said it will hold preliminary hearings on charges of fraud and contempt of court against Navalny on February 15.&nbsp;

The fraud case was launched in December 2020, while Navalny, 45, was recovering in Germany after narrowly surviving a nerve agent poisoning.&nbsp;

Investigators accuse Navalny of stealing for personal use more than $4.7 million (4.1 million euros) of donations that were given to his organisations. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

Navalny also faces up to six months in prison for contempt of court during one of his hearings last year when he was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges.&nbsp;

He is currently serving his sentence in a penal colony outside Moscow.&nbsp;

Navalny will not be brought to the Moscow court and the hearings will be head in his prison, Navalny's lawyer Olga Mikhailova told the TASS news agency. &nbsp;

Navalny's poisoning and arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals.

After his arrest, Navalny's organisations were declared "extremist" and shuttered, while many key aides fled Russia fearing prosecution.&nbsp;

Last year, investigators launched a new extremism probe against Navalny that could see the opposition leader face up to 10 more years in jail.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years.

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years. Navalany is currently in jail. He was jailed last year. Navalny, most vocal domestic critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has survived a poisoning attempt last year. He blames Russian government for the attack. The Moscow Lefortovsky district court said it will hold preliminary hearings on charges of fraud and contempt of court against Navalny on February 15. The fraud case was launched in December 2020, while Navalny, 45, was recovering in Germany after narrowly surviving a nerve agent poisoning. Investigators accuse Navalny of stealing for personal use more than $4.7 million (4.1 million euros) of donations that were given to his organisations. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Navalny also faces up to six months in prison for contempt of court during one of his hearings last year when he was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges. He is currently serving his sentence in a penal colony outside Moscow. Navalny will not be brought to the Moscow court and the hearings will be head in his prison, Navalny's lawyer Olga Mikhailova told the TASS news agency. Navalny's poisoning and arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals. After his arrest, Navalny's organisations were declared "extremist" and shuttered, while many key aides fled Russia fearing prosecution. Last year, investigators launched a new extremism probe against Navalny that could see the opposition leader face up to 10 more years in jail. (With inputs from agencies)

Hearing on fresh criminal charges against Alexei Navalny to start next week

As authorities continue their crackdown on the opposition, Russia on Tuesday added jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a number of his allies to its list of "terrorists and extremists".&nbsp;

Navalny and several of his allies, like his key aide Lyubov Sobol, have been listed in a database of banned individuals compiled by the Federal Monitoring Service for Financial Institutions (Rosfinmonitoring).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-regret-russia-return-says-navalny-a-year-after-his-arrest-445445">I don't regret Russia return, says Navalny a year after his arrest</a>

This decision places them on the same footing as right-wing nationalist groups and foreign "terrorist" groups, including the Taliban and the Islamic State extremist group.

Putin's top critic Navalny was jailed and his political organisation was outlawed last January, in what has been a brutal crackdown on dissent in Russia during the past year.

Sobol and the majority of Navalny's allies have since fled the country.

A dozen Navalny allies were added to the list on Tuesday, according to Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was shut down last year after being declared extremist.

Lawyer Vyacheslav Gimadi, anti-corruption investigator Georgy Alburov, and several former regional office coordinators, who were also labelled extremists last year, are among those

They include Georgy Alburov, Vyacheslav Gimadi and several former coordinators of Navalny's regional offices that were also branded extremist last year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-daughter-urges-eu-to-confront-putin-as-she-collects-2021-sakharov-prize-on-fathers-behalf-437461">Alexei Navalny's daughter urges EU to confront Putin as she collects 2021 Sakharov Prize on father's behalf</a>

A lawyer for Navalny's anti-corruption Foundation and producer of the opposition politician's YouTube channel, Sobol, 34, has been wanted by Russian police since October.

"Participated in elections and was fighting corruption? Extremist," Sobol tweeted.

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Меня, Навального и коллег включили в государственный список террористов и экстремистов. Участвовала в выборах и боролась с коррупцией? Экстремист. 
 
Возможно, я первый выпускник МГУ с красным дипломом юрфака в этом списке.
— Соболь Любовь (@SobolLubov) <a href="https://twitter.com/SobolLubov/status/1485910867279597570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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'Super team of terrorists'&nbsp;

Navalny's key aides Ivan Zhdanov and Leonid Volkov were added to the list earlier this month.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, they mocked the "terrorist" label.

Previously in charge of Navalny's regional offices, Volkov tweeted that he was "proud to work in our team of 'extremists and terrorists'".

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Горжусь работать в нашей прекрасной команде "экстремистов и террористов". 
Девальвируя значение слов или выворачивая значение слов на изнанку, Кремль роет все глубже яму себе: делает все для того, чтобы те, кто еще верит Путину, переставали ему верить.
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1485910983470194689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"It's great that our super team of 'terrorists' is being joined by such great people," Zhdanov, who headed the now-disbanded Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on Twitter.

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Ну собственно как и говорил. Мы всего лишь были первыми публичными. Потом будет массово. 
Классно, что наша суперкоманда «террористов» пополняется такими крутыми людьми.
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1485902304217899008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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United States and European Union both condemned the move, which came amid high tensions over fears of Russia invading Ukraine.

"This latest designation represents a new low in Russia's continuing crackdown on independent civil society," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters in Washington.

"We urge Russia to cease the abuse of 'extremism' designations to target nonviolent organizations, to end its repression of Mr. Navalny and his supporters, and to honour its international obligations to respect and ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms," Price said.

Watch | Gravitas: The story of Alexei Navalny

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Moreover, in an apparent attempt to increase pressure on Navalny's opposition, prison officials have asked a Moscow court to convert Navalny's brother Oleg's suspended sentence into a real jail time one.&nbsp;

This request was registered with Moscow's Lyublinsky district court on Monday.

Oleg Navalny received a one-year suspension of his sentence last year for violating anti-coronavirus restrictions during protests demanding his brother's release.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As authorities continue their crackdown on the opposition, Russia on Tuesday added jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a number of his allies to its list of "terrorists and extremists".

As authorities continue their crackdown on the opposition, Russia on Tuesday added jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a number of his allies to its list of "terrorists and extremists". Navalny and several of his allies, like his key aide Lyubov Sobol, have been listed in a database of banned individuals compiled by the Federal Monitoring Service for Financial Institutions (Rosfinmonitoring). Also read | I don't regret Russia return, says Navalny a year after his arrest This decision places them on the same footing as right-wing nationalist groups and foreign "terrorist" groups, including the Taliban and the Islamic State extremist group. Putin's top critic Navalny was jailed and his political organisation was outlawed last January, in what has been a brutal crackdown on dissent in Russia during the past year. Sobol and the majority of Navalny's allies have since fled the country. A dozen Navalny allies were added to the list on Tuesday, according to Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was shut down last year after being declared extremist. Lawyer Vyacheslav Gimadi, anti-corruption investigator Georgy Alburov, and several former regional office coordinators, who were also labelled extremists last year, are among those They include Georgy Alburov, Vyacheslav Gimadi and several former coordinators of Navalny's regional offices that were also branded extremist last year. Also read | Alexei Navalny's daughter urges EU to confront Putin as she collects 2021 Sakharov Prize on father's behalf A lawyer for Navalny's anti-corruption Foundation and producer of the opposition politician's YouTube channel, Sobol, 34, has been wanted by Russian police since October. "Participated in elections and was fighting corruption? Extremist," Sobol tweeted. Меня, Навального и коллег включили в государственный список террористов и экстремистов. Участвовала в выборах и боролась с коррупцией? Экстремист. Возможно, я первый выпускник МГУ с красным дипломом юрфака в этом списке. — Соболь Любовь (@SobolLubov) January 25, 2022 × 'Super team of terrorists' Navalny's key aides Ivan Zhdanov and Leonid Volkov were added to the list earlier this month. On Tuesday, they mocked the "terrorist" label. Previously in charge of Navalny's regional offices, Volkov tweeted that he was "proud to work in our team of 'extremists and terrorists'". Горжусь работать в нашей прекрасной команде "экстремистов и террористов". Девальвируя значение слов или выворачивая значение слов на изнанку, Кремль роет все глубже яму себе: делает все для того, чтобы те, кто еще верит Путину, переставали ему верить. — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) January 25, 2022 × "It's great that our super team of 'terrorists' is being joined by such great people," Zhdanov, who headed the now-disbanded Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on Twitter. Ну собственно как и говорил. Мы всего лишь были первыми публичными. Потом будет массово. Классно, что наша суперкоманда «террористов» пополняется такими крутыми людьми. — Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) January 25, 2022 × United States and European Union both condemned the move, which came amid high tensions over fears of Russia invading Ukraine. "This latest designation represents a new low in Russia's continuing crackdown on independent civil society," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters in Washington. "We urge Russia to cease the abuse of 'extremism' designations to target nonviolent organizations, to end its repression of Mr. Navalny and his supporters, and to honour its international obligations to respect and ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms," Price said. Watch | Gravitas: The story of Alexei Navalny Moreover, in an apparent attempt to increase pressure on Navalny's opposition, prison officials have asked a Moscow court to convert Navalny's brother Oleg's suspended sentence into a real jail time one. This request was registered with Moscow's Lyublinsky district court on Monday. Oleg Navalny received a one-year suspension of his sentence last year for violating anti-coronavirus restrictions during protests demanding his brother's release. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move

Daria Navalnaya, daughter of the jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, urged the European Union to stand up to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalnaya collected EU's top human rights prize on behalf of her father — the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in a ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday (December 15).

Daria Navalnaya, daughter of the jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, urged the European Union to stand up to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalnaya collected EU's top human rights prize on behalf of her father — the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in a ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday (December 15). During the event, the 20-year-old said, "Although coming here is amazing, it is also probably exactly how mine and my family's worst nightmare looks like." She added, "I don't understand why those who advocate for pragmatic relations with dictators can't simply open some history books. It's very easy to understand the inescapable political law: the pacification of dictators and tyrants never works." ALSO READ | Under Kim Jong Un's rule, at least 7 North Koreans executed for watching K-pop videos The 45-year-old Navalny has been held in a corrective labour colony in Russia, since February 2 after returning from Germany in January, where he was recovering from a poisoning attack with a Novichok nerve agent. He is serving part of a three-and-a-half-year sentence, for alleged parole violations. Authorities have also launched new probes against him, including a new "extremism" investigation in September that could see him spend up to a decade more in jail. "I don't understand why those who advocate for pragmatic relations with dictators can't simply open some history books," Navalnaya told lawmakers. "It's very easy to understand the inescapable political law: the pacification of dictators and tyrants never works." ALSO READ | US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions "It seems to me that the problem is that the desire to appease the dictator, again and again, to not anger him, to ignore his crimes as long as it's possible is not a pragmatic approach at all. It's time to say it straight. Under the sign of pragmatism, there is cynicism, hypocrisy, and corruption." What is Sakharov Prize? The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov is awarded every year. Past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela’s democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.

Alexei Navalny's daughter urges EU to confront Putin as she collects 2021 Sakharov Prize on father's behalf

Rewind 2021: Covid, coups, Taliban...the tumultuous year that was

Pressure against the Kremlin's most prominent critic - Alexei Navalny is escalating. Navalny says that a prison commission had designated him an extremist and a terrorist, but officially no longer regarded him as an escape risk. Navalny said on Instagram that he had been summoned before a commission at the prison, which voted unanimously in favour of the change of status.The Kremlin critic is currenly serving two and a half years in prison for parole violations.

Pressure against Kremlin's most prominent critic Alexei Navalny escalates

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada,&nbsp;at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog,&nbsp;called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries.

"Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet.

"Russia has 10 days to answer," they added.

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Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a>, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: <a href="https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP">https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP</a> <a href="https://t.co/rhY3rk3HX5">pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5</a>
— UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_OPCW/status/1445396570900422673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement.

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Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navalny?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navalny</a> with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Novichok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Novichok</a> nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EC98?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EC98</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fki24JKrfW">pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW</a>
— Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaOPCW/status/1445398887871700996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent.
— Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GERMANYonUN/status/1445407533921931266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account.

Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia.

After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-preparing-new-russia-sanctions-over-navalny-poisoning-392792">US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning</a>

Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW.

Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning.

However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement.

Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-hits-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-with-new-charge-that-could-add-to-jail-term-404725">Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term</a>

The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply.

Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on&nbsp;Sergei Skripal,&nbsp;a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury.&nbsp;

As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries. "Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet. "Russia has 10 days to answer," they added. Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the #OPCW Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @Navalny, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5 — UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) October 5, 2021 × Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement. 🧵1/2 Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei #Navalny with a #Novichok nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the #CWC. #EC98 pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW — Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) October 5, 2021 × Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the #OPCW Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent. — Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) October 5, 2021 × "It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account. Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia. After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now. Also read | US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW. Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning. However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement. Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges. Also read | Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply. Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury. As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later. (With inputs from agencies)

At OPCW, 45 nations push Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's app that instructed Russians how to vote to unseat Russian President Vladimir Putin's party disappeared from Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia on Friday. The development has come on the day parliamentary polls opened across Russia. The polls have been marked by historic crackdown on the opposition.

Parliamentary and local polls in the world's largest country spread over 11 time zones began at 08:00 am Friday.&nbsp;

On Friday morning, Navalny's "Smart Voting" app was unavailable on Google and Apple stores after Russia ramped on pressure on US tech giants to remove it, accusing them of election interference.&nbsp;

Meanwhilel Kremlin has said that&nbsp;Google and Apple conformed with "the letter and spirit" of Russian law by removing the app.

"This app has been outlawed in our country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Navalny's allies denounced the move as an "act of political censorship."&nbsp;

"They caved in to the Kremlin's blackmail," exiled Navalny ally Leonid Volkov said on Telegram. Google and Apple have not commented on the move.

Navalny had appealed to supporters from prison to download the app and urged them to back mostly Communist Party candidates to weaken the ruling party.

With many voters frustrated by falling incomes and not planning to cast their ballots, Putin urged Russians to elect a "strong" parliament.

"I'm counting on your responsible, balanced and patriotic civic position," Putin said in a video address on Thursday.

The run-up to the parliamentary polls has been marred by an unprecedented crackdown on Kremlin critics and independent media, with Putin's top foe Alexei Navalny jailed in January and his organisations subsequently outlawed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's app that instructed Russians how to vote to unseat Russian President Vladimir Putin's party disappeared from Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia on Friday.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's app that instructed Russians how to vote to unseat Russian President Vladimir Putin's party disappeared from Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia on Friday. The development has come on the day parliamentary polls opened across Russia. The polls have been marked by historic crackdown on the opposition. Parliamentary and local polls in the world's largest country spread over 11 time zones began at 08:00 am Friday. On Friday morning, Navalny's "Smart Voting" app was unavailable on Google and Apple stores after Russia ramped on pressure on US tech giants to remove it, accusing them of election interference. Meanwhilel Kremlin has said that Google and Apple conformed with "the letter and spirit" of Russian law by removing the app. "This app has been outlawed in our country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Navalny's allies denounced the move as an "act of political censorship." "They caved in to the Kremlin's blackmail," exiled Navalny ally Leonid Volkov said on Telegram. Google and Apple have not commented on the move. Navalny had appealed to supporters from prison to download the app and urged them to back mostly Communist Party candidates to weaken the ruling party. With many voters frustrated by falling incomes and not planning to cast their ballots, Putin urged Russians to elect a "strong" parliament. "I'm counting on your responsible, balanced and patriotic civic position," Putin said in a video address on Thursday. The run-up to the parliamentary polls has been marred by an unprecedented crackdown on Kremlin critics and independent media, with Putin's top foe Alexei Navalny jailed in January and his organisations subsequently outlawed. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's app removed right on Russian election day

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu.

But perhaps the most maddening thing, he suggested, is being forced to watch Russian state TV and selected propaganda films for more than eight hours a day in what the authorities call an “awareness raising” program that has replaced hard labor for political prisoners.

“Reading, writing or doing anything else,” is prohibited, Navalny said of the forced screen time. “You have to sit in a chair and watch TV.” And if an inmate nods off, he said, the guards shout, “Don’t sleep, watch!”

In an interview with The New York Times, his first with a news organization since his arrest in January, Navalny talked about his life in prison, about why Russia has cracked down so hard on the opposition and dissidents, and about his conviction that “Putin’s regime,” as he calls it, is doomed to collapse.

Navalny started a major opposition movement to expose high-level corruption and challenge President Vladimir Putin at the polls. He was imprisoned in March after he returned to Russia from Germany knowing he was facing a parole violation for a conviction in a case seen as politically motivated. As was well chronicled at the time, he was out of the country to receive medical treatment after being poisoned by Russian agents with the chemical weapon Novichok, according to Western governments.

Navalny has not been entirely mute since his incarceration in Penal Colony No. 2, just east of Moscow. Through his lawyers, who visit him regularly, he has sent out occasional social media posts.

Nor is he being actively muzzled by the Kremlin. When asked about Navalny’s social media presence on Tuesday, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that it was “not our business” if Navalny spoke out.

But the written exchange of questions and answers covering 54 handwritten pages is by far his most comprehensive and wide-ranging account.

In today’s Russia, Navalny made clear, hours spent watching state television and movies chosen by the warden are the experience of a political prisoner, a status Amnesty International has assigned to Navalny. Gone are the shifts of heavy labor in mining or forestry and the harrying by criminals and guards alike that was the hallmark of the Soviet gulag for political prisoners.

“You might imagine tattooed muscle men with steel teeth carrying on with knife fights to take the best cot by the window,” Navalny said. “You need to imagine something like a Chinese labor camp, where everybody marches in a line and where video cameras are hung everywhere. There is constant control and a culture of snitching.”

Despite his circumstances, Navalny was upbeat about Russia’s future prospects, and he outlined his strategy for achieving political change through the electoral system even in an authoritarian state.

“The Putin regime is an historical accident, not an inevitability,” he wrote, adding, “It was the choice of the corrupt Yeltsin family,” a reference to former President Boris Yeltsin’s appointment of Putin as acting president in December 1999. “Sooner or later, this mistake will be fixed, and Russia will move on to a democratic, European path of development. Simply because that is what the people want.”

As he has before, Navalny criticized Europe and the United States for the economic sanctions it has imposed on Russia for its meddling abroad and its repression of dissidents, including Navalny. He said sanctions harmed ordinary Russians and risked alienating a broad constituency inside Russia that is a natural ally.

Sanctions, he said, should target only the top oligarchs who prop up Putin’s government, instead of the dozens of largely obscure figures who have been hit so far. The truly powerful have largely avoided sanctions, he said, by retaining “an army of lawyers, lobbyists and bankers, fighting for the right of owners of dirty and bloody money to remain unpunished.”

Through the 20th century and earlier, prison in Russia was a crucible that forged or broke dissidents and writers, molded leaders and crushed pluralistic politics.

The modern experience of a Russian political prisoner, Navalny said, is mostly “psychological violence,” with mind-numbing screen time playing a big role.

Navalny described five daily sessions of television watching for inmates, the first starting immediately after morning calisthenics, breakfast and sweeping the yard.

After some free time, there’s a two-hour spell in front of the screen, lunch, then more screen time, dinner, and then more TV time in the evening. During one afternoon session, playing chess or backgammon is an acceptable alternative.

“We watch films about the Great Patriotic War,” Navalny said, referring to World War II, “or how one day, 40 years ago, our athletes defeated the Americans or Canadians.”

During these sessions, he said, “I most clearly understand the essence of the ideology of the Putin regime: The present and the future are being substituted with the past — the truly heroic past, or embellished past, or completely fictional past. All sorts of past must constantly be in the spotlight to displace thoughts about the future and questions about the present.”

The approach of lengthy, enforced television watching, while taken to extremes at Penal Colony No. 2, is not unique to the site, where inmates in politically hued cases have been incarcerated before.

It sprang from a penal reform in Russia begun in 2010 to boost guards’ control over inmates through their day and to reduce the sway of prison gangs. The intent is not so much brainwashing as control, experts on the Russian prison system say.

“Everything is organized so that I am under maximum control 24 hours a day,” Navalny said. He said he had not been assaulted or threatened by fellow inmates but estimated that about one-third were what are known in Russian prisons as “activists,” those who serve as informants to the warden.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

During his first weeks in the penal colony, Navalny’s limbs numbed, either from lingering effects of the nerve agent poisoning or from a back injury from riding in a prison van. He also went on a 24-day hunger strike, raising alarms about his health.

His neurological symptoms eased when guards stopped waking him hourly at night, ostensibly to ensure he wasn’t plotting an escape.

“I now understand why sleep deprivation is one of the favorite tortures of the special services,” he said. “No traces remain, and it’s impossible to tolerate.”

He said that he gets along well with other inmates and that they sometimes cook snacks in a microwave.

“When we cook, I always remember the classic scene from ‘Goodfellas’ when the mafia bosses cook pasta in a prison cell,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have such a cool pot, and pasta is forbidden. Still, it’s fun.”

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Navalny, 45, conceded that he has struggled to remain visible in Russian politics through a tumultuous period as the government has clamped down on the opposition and the news media.

The protests that erupted after disputed Belarusian elections last year spooked the Kremlin, he suggested. The Putin government’s other worry, he said, was the electoral strategy he has devised and calls “smart voting.”

Under the strategy, Navalny’s organization endorses the candidates it thinks have a chance of winning in regional and parliamentary elections, which will be held next month.

The Kremlin was so concerned about the upcoming elections, he said, that it engineered a crackdown this year not just on his group and other activists but on moderate opposition politicians, civil society groups and independent news media outlets like Meduza, Proekt and Dozhd television.

Navalny suggested that while the crackdown may prove to be a tactical success for Putin, it may also be a long-term liability.

“Putin solved his tactical question: not allowing us to take away the majority in the Duma,” Navalny said, speaking of the Russian Parliament’s lower house. “But to achieve this, he had to completely change the political system, to shift to a principally different, far harsher level of authoritarianism.”

Navalny suggested the move underscored a principal weakness of Putin’s political system. While leftists and nationalists are represented by parties loyal to Putin, there is no stable, pro-Kremlin center-right party representing the country’s emerging middle class of relatively prosperous, city-dwelling Russians.

“Opposition exists in Russia not because Alexei Navalny or somebody else commands it from a headquarters,” Navalny said, “but because about 30% of the country — mostly the educated, urban population — doesn’t have political representation.”

When what he called the reactionary anomaly of Putin’s rule fades, Russia will revert to democratic governance, Navalny said. “We are specific, like any nation, but we are Europe. We are the West.” 
&nbsp;

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu.

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu. But perhaps the most maddening thing, he suggested, is being forced to watch Russian state TV and selected propaganda films for more than eight hours a day in what the authorities call an “awareness raising” program that has replaced hard labor for political prisoners. “Reading, writing or doing anything else,” is prohibited, Navalny said of the forced screen time. “You have to sit in a chair and watch TV.” And if an inmate nods off, he said, the guards shout, “Don’t sleep, watch!” In an interview with The New York Times, his first with a news organization since his arrest in January, Navalny talked about his life in prison, about why Russia has cracked down so hard on the opposition and dissidents, and about his conviction that “Putin’s regime,” as he calls it, is doomed to collapse. Navalny started a major opposition movement to expose high-level corruption and challenge President Vladimir Putin at the polls. He was imprisoned in March after he returned to Russia from Germany knowing he was facing a parole violation for a conviction in a case seen as politically motivated. As was well chronicled at the time, he was out of the country to receive medical treatment after being poisoned by Russian agents with the chemical weapon Novichok, according to Western governments. Navalny has not been entirely mute since his incarceration in Penal Colony No. 2, just east of Moscow. Through his lawyers, who visit him regularly, he has sent out occasional social media posts. Nor is he being actively muzzled by the Kremlin. When asked about Navalny’s social media presence on Tuesday, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that it was “not our business” if Navalny spoke out. But the written exchange of questions and answers covering 54 handwritten pages is by far his most comprehensive and wide-ranging account. In today’s Russia, Navalny made clear, hours spent watching state television and movies chosen by the warden are the experience of a political prisoner, a status Amnesty International has assigned to Navalny. Gone are the shifts of heavy labor in mining or forestry and the harrying by criminals and guards alike that was the hallmark of the Soviet gulag for political prisoners. “You might imagine tattooed muscle men with steel teeth carrying on with knife fights to take the best cot by the window,” Navalny said. “You need to imagine something like a Chinese labor camp, where everybody marches in a line and where video cameras are hung everywhere. There is constant control and a culture of snitching.” Despite his circumstances, Navalny was upbeat about Russia’s future prospects, and he outlined his strategy for achieving political change through the electoral system even in an authoritarian state. “The Putin regime is an historical accident, not an inevitability,” he wrote, adding, “It was the choice of the corrupt Yeltsin family,” a reference to former President Boris Yeltsin’s appointment of Putin as acting president in December 1999. “Sooner or later, this mistake will be fixed, and Russia will move on to a democratic, European path of development. Simply because that is what the people want.” As he has before, Navalny criticized Europe and the United States for the economic sanctions it has imposed on Russia for its meddling abroad and its repression of dissidents, including Navalny. He said sanctions harmed ordinary Russians and risked alienating a broad constituency inside Russia that is a natural ally. Sanctions, he said, should target only the top oligarchs who prop up Putin’s government, instead of the dozens of largely obscure figures who have been hit so far. The truly powerful have largely avoided sanctions, he said, by retaining “an army of lawyers, lobbyists and bankers, fighting for the right of owners of dirty and bloody money to remain unpunished.” Through the 20th century and earlier, prison in Russia was a crucible that forged or broke dissidents and writers, molded leaders and crushed pluralistic politics. The modern experience of a Russian political prisoner, Navalny said, is mostly “psychological violence,” with mind-numbing screen time playing a big role. Navalny described five daily sessions of television watching for inmates, the first starting immediately after morning calisthenics, breakfast and sweeping the yard. After some free time, there’s a two-hour spell in front of the screen, lunch, then more screen time, dinner, and then more TV time in the evening. During one afternoon session, playing chess or backgammon is an acceptable alternative. “We watch films about the Great Patriotic War,” Navalny said, referring to World War II, “or how one day, 40 years ago, our athletes defeated the Americans or Canadians.” During these sessions, he said, “I most clearly understand the essence of the ideology of the Putin regime: The present and the future are being substituted with the past — the truly heroic past, or embellished past, or completely fictional past. All sorts of past must constantly be in the spotlight to displace thoughts about the future and questions about the present.” The approach of lengthy, enforced television watching, while taken to extremes at Penal Colony No. 2, is not unique to the site, where inmates in politically hued cases have been incarcerated before. It sprang from a penal reform in Russia begun in 2010 to boost guards’ control over inmates through their day and to reduce the sway of prison gangs. The intent is not so much brainwashing as control, experts on the Russian prison system say. “Everything is organized so that I am under maximum control 24 hours a day,” Navalny said. He said he had not been assaulted or threatened by fellow inmates but estimated that about one-third were what are known in Russian prisons as “activists,” those who serve as informants to the warden. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) During his first weeks in the penal colony, Navalny’s limbs numbed, either from lingering effects of the nerve agent poisoning or from a back injury from riding in a prison van. He also went on a 24-day hunger strike, raising alarms about his health. His neurological symptoms eased when guards stopped waking him hourly at night, ostensibly to ensure he wasn’t plotting an escape. “I now understand why sleep deprivation is one of the favorite tortures of the special services,” he said. “No traces remain, and it’s impossible to tolerate.” He said that he gets along well with other inmates and that they sometimes cook snacks in a microwave. “When we cook, I always remember the classic scene from ‘Goodfellas’ when the mafia bosses cook pasta in a prison cell,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have such a cool pot, and pasta is forbidden. Still, it’s fun.” (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) Navalny, 45, conceded that he has struggled to remain visible in Russian politics through a tumultuous period as the government has clamped down on the opposition and the news media. The protests that erupted after disputed Belarusian elections last year spooked the Kremlin, he suggested. The Putin government’s other worry, he said, was the electoral strategy he has devised and calls “smart voting.” Under the strategy, Navalny’s organization endorses the candidates it thinks have a chance of winning in regional and parliamentary elections, which will be held next month. The Kremlin was so concerned about the upcoming elections, he said, that it engineered a crackdown this year not just on his group and other activists but on moderate opposition politicians, civil society groups and independent news media outlets like Meduza, Proekt and Dozhd television. Navalny suggested that while the crackdown may prove to be a tactical success for Putin, it may also be a long-term liability. “Putin solved his tactical question: not allowing us to take away the majority in the Duma,” Navalny said, speaking of the Russian Parliament’s lower house. “But to achieve this, he had to completely change the political system, to shift to a principally different, far harsher level of authoritarianism.” Navalny suggested the move underscored a principal weakness of Putin’s political system. While leftists and nationalists are represented by parties loyal to Putin, there is no stable, pro-Kremlin center-right party representing the country’s emerging middle class of relatively prosperous, city-dwelling Russians. “Opposition exists in Russia not because Alexei Navalny or somebody else commands it from a headquarters,” Navalny said, “but because about 30% of the country — mostly the educated, urban population — doesn’t have political representation.” When what he called the reactionary anomaly of Putin’s rule fades, Russia will revert to democratic governance, Navalny said. “We are specific, like any nation, but we are Europe. We are the West.”

In first interview from jail, an upbeat Navalny discusses prison life

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack.

These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions.

The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020.

The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. &nbsp;

Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year.

The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law".

He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning.&nbsp;

"We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny. All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack. These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions. The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020. The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year. The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law". He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning. "We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny poisoning: Seven more Russians sanctioned by UK, US

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term. 
 
Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s fiercest domestic critic, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. He was arrested after flying back from Germany where he had recovered from a nerve agent poisoning. 
 
Navalny and his allies have faced pressure for years, but his political network was outlawed in June after a court formally labelled his anti-corruption foundation and regional campaign groups as extremist. 
 
The Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said in a statement that Navalny had been charged with creating an organisation that "infringes on the personality and rights of citizens", a crime punishable by up to three years in jail. 
 
It said that his Anti-Corruption Foundation had incited Russians to break the law and take part in unauthorised protests demanding his release in January that authorities said were illegal. 
 
The opposition politician`s allies who post on social media under the name Team Navalny described the accusation as "the latest meaningless charge". 
 
"No one infringes on the personality and rights of citizens like Putin himself and all his henchmen, including the Investigative Committee," they said on Telegram messenger. 
 
The charge comes a day after the Investigative Committee on Tuesday announced a new criminal investigation into two close Navalny allies, who are based abroad, for raising funds for his political network. 
 
On Sunday, Russian media outlets reported that Lyubov Sobol, a close Navalny ally, had left Russia and flown to Turkey. She has not commented on her whereabouts and her allies have declined to comment.

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term.

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term. Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s fiercest domestic critic, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. He was arrested after flying back from Germany where he had recovered from a nerve agent poisoning. Navalny and his allies have faced pressure for years, but his political network was outlawed in June after a court formally labelled his anti-corruption foundation and regional campaign groups as extremist. The Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said in a statement that Navalny had been charged with creating an organisation that "infringes on the personality and rights of citizens", a crime punishable by up to three years in jail. It said that his Anti-Corruption Foundation had incited Russians to break the law and take part in unauthorised protests demanding his release in January that authorities said were illegal. The opposition politician`s allies who post on social media under the name Team Navalny described the accusation as "the latest meaningless charge". "No one infringes on the personality and rights of citizens like Putin himself and all his henchmen, including the Investigative Committee," they said on Telegram messenger. The charge comes a day after the Investigative Committee on Tuesday announced a new criminal investigation into two close Navalny allies, who are based abroad, for raising funds for his political network. On Sunday, Russian media outlets reported that Lyubov Sobol, a close Navalny ally, had left Russia and flown to Turkey. She has not commented on her whereabouts and her allies have declined to comment.

Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term

The website of Navalny's top strategist, Leonid Volkov, and longtime ally Lyubov Sobol were among 49 links that had been blocked.

Russia blocks access to websites of Alexei Navalny

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny

"By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. &nbsp;

AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia.&nbsp;

"The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany.&nbsp;

Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past

Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday. Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia. "The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany. Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blocked 49 Navalny-linked websites, says aide

A Russian legal group that has defended organisations of Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday said that it was disbanding due to fears of criminal sanctions.

Team 29 said that after a request from prosecutors, its website had been blocked. The prosecutors accuse the group of having links with a Czech organisation that has been called "undesirable"

Pressure on critics has been stepped up following Navalny's arrest and imprisonment. Russian authorities can ban groups declared "undesirable organisations" and members face up to six years in prison.&nbsp;

Saint Petersburg-based Team 29 describes itself as an association of lawyers and journalists fighting for freedom of speech in Russia, where it is known for defending people accused of treason.&nbsp;

The group rejected any link to the Czech organisation and denounced the accusations as "fanciful".&nbsp;

"But we cannot ignore the position of the security forces," the group said in a statement posted on the Telegram messenger.

They feared that "the next step in the attack" would be criminal proceedings against its members and supporters.

"Our lawyers and jurists will continue to work on their clients' cases solely independently," the statement said.&nbsp;

The group said it had deleted all its online archives to avoid any risk.&nbsp;

Team 29 head Ivan Pavlov was arrested in April while he was acting for Navalny and faces accusations of disclosing information about a preliminary investigation.&nbsp;

The courts designated Navalny's organisations as extremist in June, paving the way for a crackdown on his allies.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian legal group that has defended organisations of Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday said that it was disbanding due to fears of criminal sanctions. Team 29 said that after a request from prosecutors, its website had been blocked.

A Russian legal group that has defended organisations of Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday said that it was disbanding due to fears of criminal sanctions. Team 29 said that after a request from prosecutors, its website had been blocked. The prosecutors accuse the group of having links with a Czech organisation that has been called "undesirable" Pressure on critics has been stepped up following Navalny's arrest and imprisonment. Russian authorities can ban groups declared "undesirable organisations" and members face up to six years in prison. Saint Petersburg-based Team 29 describes itself as an association of lawyers and journalists fighting for freedom of speech in Russia, where it is known for defending people accused of treason. The group rejected any link to the Czech organisation and denounced the accusations as "fanciful". "But we cannot ignore the position of the security forces," the group said in a statement posted on the Telegram messenger. They feared that "the next step in the attack" would be criminal proceedings against its members and supporters. "Our lawyers and jurists will continue to work on their clients' cases solely independently," the statement said. The group said it had deleted all its online archives to avoid any risk. Team 29 head Ivan Pavlov was arrested in April while he was acting for Navalny and faces accusations of disclosing information about a preliminary investigation. The courts designated Navalny's organisations as extremist in June, paving the way for a crackdown on his allies. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Legal group having links with Navalny disbands

Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in an annual call-in show where he took questions from the citizens. Most of the questions this year were dedicated to the coronavirus pandemic, Moscow’s ties with the West, Ukraine, the black sea spat, jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny and allegations of cyberattacks.

Putin discusses Ukraine, Black Sea, Navalny and vaccines in marathon call-in show

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.

Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a>

"We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union."

The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny.

"We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-russia-of-consequences-if-alexei-navalny-dies-378474">US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies</a>

He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January.

After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington.

Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems.

A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-poisoning-of-kremlin-critic-navalny-367479">US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny</a>

"We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks.&nbsp;

The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday. Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? "We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union." The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny. "We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added. Also read | US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January. After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington. Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems. A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny "We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks. The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."

US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning

The daughter of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Daria Navalnaya has said that Kremlin would not succeed in silencing its critics. She also expressed concern about 'the fast downfall of democracy in the country.

Navalny's daughter says Kremlin can't silence its critics

Jailed Kremlin critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> has been transferred from a prison hospital back to his penal colony after receiving treatment following a hunger strike, his allies said Monday.

Navalny was jailed for two and a half years in February on old embezzlement charges he and his supporters say are politically motivated.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-gudkov-leaves-russia-fearing-new-arrest-389844" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-gudkov-leaves-russia-fearing-new-arrest-389844&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiB6ISi64XxAhUFzjgGHXuuBIEQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw37YFJrD6sXAtv081ftVDM7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-gudkov-leaves-russia-fearing-new-arrest-389844" target="_blank">Kremlin critic Gudkov leaves Russia fearing new arrest</a>

He was sentenced shortly after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was receiving treatment for a near-fatal poisoning attack with a nerve agent.

President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken domestic critic declared a hunger strike in March to demand proper medical treatment for a growing list of health complaints, including back pain and numbness in his limbs.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-critic-alexei-navalny-sues-prison-for-censoring-his-newspapers-387616" hreflang="en">Putin critic Alexei Navalny sues prison for censoring his newspapers</a>

Navalny in April was transferred to a prison hospital in another penal colony as the West warned it would hold the Kremlin responsible for the state of his health.&nbsp;

The opposition politician called off the strike 24 days later.

"Navalny has been transferred back to the Penal Colony No. 2," Navalny's team said on Twitter on Monday.

The prison is located in the town of Pokrov 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Moscow.&nbsp;

A court in Moscow is considering whether to designate Navalny's political network as an "extremist" organisation, which would remove potential challengers to the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections in September.

A decision is expected as early as this week.

Last Friday, Putin approved an anti-extremism law expected to be used to ban his allies from running in elections. The Kremlin chief signed off on the legislation the day Navalny marked his 45th birthday behind bars.

Many of his close allies are either outside Russia or under arrest.

On Sunday, prominent Kremlin critic and former opposition lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov said he had left Russia for Ukraine due to pressure from authorities ahead of the elections.&nbsp;

Citing sources close to the Kremlin, Gudkov, 41, said that if he did not leave he would be arrested over a "fake" criminal case against him.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been transferred from a prison hospital back to his penal colony after receiving treatment following a hunger strike, his allies said Monday.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been transferred from a prison hospital back to his penal colony after receiving treatment following a hunger strike, his allies said Monday. Navalny was jailed for two and a half years in February on old embezzlement charges he and his supporters say are politically motivated. Also read | Kremlin critic Gudkov leaves Russia fearing new arrest He was sentenced shortly after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was receiving treatment for a near-fatal poisoning attack with a nerve agent. President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken domestic critic declared a hunger strike in March to demand proper medical treatment for a growing list of health complaints, including back pain and numbness in his limbs. Also read | Putin critic Alexei Navalny sues prison for censoring his newspapers Navalny in April was transferred to a prison hospital in another penal colony as the West warned it would hold the Kremlin responsible for the state of his health. The opposition politician called off the strike 24 days later. "Navalny has been transferred back to the Penal Colony No. 2," Navalny's team said on Twitter on Monday. The prison is located in the town of Pokrov 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Moscow. A court in Moscow is considering whether to designate Navalny's political network as an "extremist" organisation, which would remove potential challengers to the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections in September. A decision is expected as early as this week. Last Friday, Putin approved an anti-extremism law expected to be used to ban his allies from running in elections. The Kremlin chief signed off on the legislation the day Navalny marked his 45th birthday behind bars. Many of his close allies are either outside Russia or under arrest. On Sunday, prominent Kremlin critic and former opposition lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov said he had left Russia for Ukraine due to pressure from authorities ahead of the elections. Citing sources close to the Kremlin, Gudkov, 41, said that if he did not leave he would be arrested over a "fake" criminal case against him.

Navalny transferred to prison after hunger strike: Allies

Alexei Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fierce critics recently accused the prison where he is being currently held of censoring his newspapers. During a rare court appearance via a video call, Navalny said that prison officials have been cutting out articles from newspapers meant for him.

Navalny also accused the officials of disrupting his schedule and waking him in the middle of the night. He additionally said that the prison was withholding a book from him. Currently, Navalny is serving a two-and-a-half-year jail term for violating his parole terms. Navalny claims that these charges are made up.

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In March, Navalny went on a hunger strike demanding better medical care for&nbsp;leg and back pain. In April, he had ended his hunger strike. On Wednesday, Navalny made a court appearance to address two separate lawsuits. According to Reuters, his court remark was lengthy and laden with sarcasm.&nbsp;

"And imagine my surprise when I open the newspapers and see that whole articles have been cut out," Navalny reportedly told the court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/becoming-a-hardened-criminal-navalny-says-russia-has-launched-three-new-criminal-probes-against-him-387288" hreflang="en">'Becoming a hardened criminal': Navalny says Russia has launched three new criminal probes against him</a>

“[My] correspondence is of course censored, I don't mind the (prison) reading [my] letters. But why do they cut out articles from newspapers - no one can understand that," he added.

Navalny told the court that he would drop the lawsuit immediately if the prison stopped cutting out newspaper articles. While accusing the prison of waking him in the middle of the night, Navalny said that he had lost seven kilograms even before beginning his hunger strike due to such measures.

In addition, Navalny said that the prison had failed to provide him a copy of the Quran, which he says he is legally entitled to, even though he does not identify as a Muslim.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-seeks-to-outlaw-navalny-movement-385599" hreflang="en">Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement&nbsp;</a>

Alexei Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fierce critics recently accused the prison where he is being currently held of censoring his newspapers.

Alexei Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fierce critics recently accused the prison where he is being currently held of censoring his newspapers. During a rare court appearance via a video call, Navalny said that prison officials have been cutting out articles from newspapers meant for him. Navalny also accused the officials of disrupting his schedule and waking him in the middle of the night. He additionally said that the prison was withholding a book from him. Currently, Navalny is serving a two-and-a-half-year jail term for violating his parole terms. Navalny claims that these charges are made up. In March, Navalny went on a hunger strike demanding better medical care for leg and back pain. In April, he had ended his hunger strike. On Wednesday, Navalny made a court appearance to address two separate lawsuits. According to Reuters, his court remark was lengthy and laden with sarcasm. "And imagine my surprise when I open the newspapers and see that whole articles have been cut out," Navalny reportedly told the court. Also read: 'Becoming a hardened criminal': Navalny says Russia has launched three new criminal probes against him “[My] correspondence is of course censored, I don't mind the (prison) reading [my] letters. But why do they cut out articles from newspapers - no one can understand that," he added. Navalny told the court that he would drop the lawsuit immediately if the prison stopped cutting out newspaper articles. While accusing the prison of waking him in the middle of the night, Navalny said that he had lost seven kilograms even before beginning his hunger strike due to such measures. In addition, Navalny said that the prison had failed to provide him a copy of the Quran, which he says he is legally entitled to, even though he does not identify as a Muslim. Also read: Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement

Putin critic Alexei Navalny sues prison for censoring his newspapers

Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin&nbsp;critic currently in prison, has claimed that three new criminal investigations have been initiated against him by Russian authorities.

In an Instagram post published on Tuesday, he said he learned about the cases from an investigator who had visited him on Monday.

"I'm becoming a more hardened criminal every day," he said in the post.&nbsp;"So don't think I'm only sitting in a cell, drinking tea and doing nothing”, he added.

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Navalny said that investigators are currently looking into alleged theft of donations from his anti-corruption foundation called FKB, violation of human rights, and insulting a judge. Earlier, the Russian Investigative Committee had said that it initiated investigations into FKB and human rights violations allegedly committed by Navalny and his allies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-seeks-to-outlaw-navalny-movement-385599" hreflang="en">Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement&nbsp;</a>

In February, a prosecutor had requested the Investigative Committee to look into Navalny’s statements during one of his trials and to see whether any of his words could qualify as being insulting towards the judge.

Navalny has remained in custody since he returned from Germany after his treatment. He was poisoned using a Soviet era nerve agency called Novichok. This has been confirmed by German medical authorities.

Russia has denied any involvement in his poisoning, but Navalny pins the full blame on Russian officials. He has been seen as Putin’s largest critic in the country. His treatment spurred a series of pro-Navalny protests across Russia which were quelled by Russian authorities. The use of force against protesters invited global ire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-jails-former-mayor-roizman-over-tweets-in-support-of-navalny-384753" hreflang="en">Russia jails former mayor Roizman over tweets in support of Navalny</a>

&nbsp;

Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin critic currently in prison, has claimed that three new criminal investigations have been initiated against him by Russian authorities.

Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin critic currently in prison, has claimed that three new criminal investigations have been initiated against him by Russian authorities. In an Instagram post published on Tuesday, he said he learned about the cases from an investigator who had visited him on Monday. "I'm becoming a more hardened criminal every day," he said in the post. "So don't think I'm only sitting in a cell, drinking tea and doing nothing”, he added. Navalny said that investigators are currently looking into alleged theft of donations from his anti-corruption foundation called FKB, violation of human rights, and insulting a judge. Earlier, the Russian Investigative Committee had said that it initiated investigations into FKB and human rights violations allegedly committed by Navalny and his allies. Also read: Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement In February, a prosecutor had requested the Investigative Committee to look into Navalny’s statements during one of his trials and to see whether any of his words could qualify as being insulting towards the judge. Navalny has remained in custody since he returned from Germany after his treatment. He was poisoned using a Soviet era nerve agency called Novichok. This has been confirmed by German medical authorities. Russia has denied any involvement in his poisoning, but Navalny pins the full blame on Russian officials. He has been seen as Putin’s largest critic in the country. His treatment spurred a series of pro-Navalny protests across Russia which were quelled by Russian authorities. The use of force against protesters invited global ire. Also read: Russia jails former mayor Roizman over tweets in support of Navalny

'Becoming a hardened criminal': Navalny says Russia has launched three new criminal probes against him

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The sentence follows a wave of court rulings that have sidelined or sent into exile allies of Navalny, who was jailed by authorities in February for more than two years on old embezzlement charges he says are politically motivated.

Roizman, 58, was mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg between 2013 and 2018 and frequently participates in rallies organised by the opposition, including Navalny.

Roizman said on Twitter that he was accused of organising protests on January 31 and April 21 through posts on his Twitter account that has close to 500,000 followers.

A court in Yekaterinburg found him guilty and sentenced Roizman to nine days in jail on both charges, the state-run TASS news agency reported.

The jail terms will be served simultaneously, so the politician will spend a total of nine days behind bars.

Roizman pleaded not guilty to both offences.

Earlier in March, he was fined 20,000 rubles (around $270) for taking part in rallies in January.

The winter marches were held in cities across Russia after Navalny, 44, returned to Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering from nerve agent poisoning.

Telegram messenger fined

Navalny was taken into custody for allegedly breaching parole terms and in February sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a penal colony.

He announced a hunger strike in late March, demanding proper medical treatment for pain in his back and numbness in his legs, sparking fresh nationwide rallies on April 21.

He ended his hunger strike after 24 days.

The rallies were met with a harsh response from authorities, with participants receiving fines and short jail terms and some facing several years in prison.

Russia has also ramped up pressure on domestic and foreign social networks, accusing them of refusing to delete opposition content.

On Wednesday, popular encrypted messenger Telegram was slapped with a fine of five million rubles ($67,000) for not removing calls "inciting minors" to join protests, Russian news agencies reported.

Moscow has repeatedly fined foreign internet companies, including Facebook, Google and Twitter, for failing to comply with Russian legislation.

Last month, Russia also throttled Twitter's services in the country, saying the platform did not remove illegal content on its request.

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The sentence follows a wave of court rulings that have sidelined or sent into exile allies of Navalny, who was jailed by authorities in February for more than two years on old embezzlement charges he says are politically motivated. Roizman, 58, was mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg between 2013 and 2018 and frequently participates in rallies organised by the opposition, including Navalny. Roizman said on Twitter that he was accused of organising protests on January 31 and April 21 through posts on his Twitter account that has close to 500,000 followers. A court in Yekaterinburg found him guilty and sentenced Roizman to nine days in jail on both charges, the state-run TASS news agency reported. The jail terms will be served simultaneously, so the politician will spend a total of nine days behind bars. Roizman pleaded not guilty to both offences. Earlier in March, he was fined 20,000 rubles (around $270) for taking part in rallies in January. The winter marches were held in cities across Russia after Navalny, 44, returned to Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering from nerve agent poisoning. Telegram messenger fined Navalny was taken into custody for allegedly breaching parole terms and in February sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a penal colony. He announced a hunger strike in late March, demanding proper medical treatment for pain in his back and numbness in his legs, sparking fresh nationwide rallies on April 21. He ended his hunger strike after 24 days. The rallies were met with a harsh response from authorities, with participants receiving fines and short jail terms and some facing several years in prison. Russia has also ramped up pressure on domestic and foreign social networks, accusing them of refusing to delete opposition content. On Wednesday, popular encrypted messenger Telegram was slapped with a fine of five million rubles ($67,000) for not removing calls "inciting minors" to join protests, Russian news agencies reported. Moscow has repeatedly fined foreign internet companies, including Facebook, Google and Twitter, for failing to comply with Russian legislation. Last month, Russia also throttled Twitter's services in the country, saying the platform did not remove illegal content on its request.

Russia jails former mayor Roizman over tweets in support of Navalny

Russia has banned opposition leader Alexei Navalny's regional political network.

Alexei Navalny's regional political network banned

The US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced&nbsp;us&nbsp;to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;said in a statement published on its website.

"Effective May 12, US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US&nbsp;citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912">Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans</a>&nbsp;

Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer."

The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US&nbsp;election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine.

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It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die.

Moscow&nbsp;retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations. "We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US embassy said in a statement published on its website. "Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said. President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions. Also read | Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer." The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine. × It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die. Moscow retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

US embassy says it is forced to reduce consular services in Moscow

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