Russian police detained people and used force to break up a rally in St Petersburg on Sunday (January 23) as protesters demanded the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose wife was among those detained.

Russia: Police detains over 200 protesters at pro-Navalny rally in St Petersburg

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-wife-among-nearly-2000-people-detained-in-russia-at-rallies-358823">Navalny</a> protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-described-as-the-man-putin-fears-the-most-359015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kremlin had earlier accused the United States of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs after large scale protests erupted over the weekend even as 3,500 demonstrators were detained across the country on Saturday. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-diplomats-of-publishing-navalny-rally-routes-358864">US</a> embassy in Moscow had issued a "Demonstration Alert" warning US citizens to avoid the protests and naming the venues in Russian cities where protesters planned to gather.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video call to students said luxury Black Sea property does not belong to him after Navalny accused the Russian leader of possessing the property.

"Nothing that is listed there as my property belongs to me or my close relatives, and never did," Putin said during a video call with students.

After the weekend protests, the United States urged Russian authorities to release protesters detained at the demonstration.

Navalny had asked Russians to come out on the streets after he was arrested by authorities last week soon after he landed in Moscow. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry had said that US embassy representatives will be summoned and would have to "explain themselves".

The US embassy spokesman Rebecca Ross had said: "We're watching reports of protests in 38 Russian cities, arrests of 350+ peaceful protesters and journalists. The US&nbsp;supports the right of all people to peaceful protest, freedom of expression. Steps being taken by Russian authorities are suppressing those rights."

The United States government in a statement said: "Continued efforts to suppress Russians’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and the crackdown on protests that followed are troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms."

The US government urged Russian authorities to release "all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexei Navalny."

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in Navalny protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies.

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in Navalny protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies. Watch: Kremlin had earlier accused the United States of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs after large scale protests erupted over the weekend even as 3,500 demonstrators were detained across the country on Saturday. The US embassy in Moscow had issued a "Demonstration Alert" warning US citizens to avoid the protests and naming the venues in Russian cities where protesters planned to gather. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video call to students said luxury Black Sea property does not belong to him after Navalny accused the Russian leader of possessing the property. "Nothing that is listed there as my property belongs to me or my close relatives, and never did," Putin said during a video call with students. After the weekend protests, the United States urged Russian authorities to release protesters detained at the demonstration. Navalny had asked Russians to come out on the streets after he was arrested by authorities last week soon after he landed in Moscow. The Russian foreign ministry had said that US embassy representatives will be summoned and would have to "explain themselves". The US embassy spokesman Rebecca Ross had said: "We're watching reports of protests in 38 Russian cities, arrests of 350+ peaceful protesters and journalists. The US supports the right of all people to peaceful protest, freedom of expression. Steps being taken by Russian authorities are suppressing those rights." The United States government in a statement said: "Continued efforts to suppress Russians’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and the crackdown on protests that followed are troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms." The US government urged Russian authorities to release "all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexei Navalny."

Putin rejects Black Sea property belongs to him after Navalny's accusation

Russian police detained more than 3,000 people and used force to break up rallies across Russia as tens of thousands of protesters ignored the extreme cold and police warnings to demand the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russian police officers beat protesters at opposition rally

The Wall Street Journal has described Alexei Navalny as "the man Vladimir Putin fears most". Navalny is a Russian Opposition Coordination Council member, the leader of the Russia of the Future party and the founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).

Navalny described as 'the man Putin fears the most'

The United States has strongly condemned Russia's use of 'harsh tactics' against protesters and journalists demanding the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

US, EU condemns Russia's crackdown on protesters & journalists

Supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;were set to confront Russian authorities on Saturday at nationwide rallies that the police have declared illegal and vowed to break up.

The gatherings will be the first protests by&nbsp;Navalny's supporters since he returned dramatically to Moscow and was immediately arrested last weekend after recovering in Germany from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia.

He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies.

The stubborn ex-lawyer who has campaigned against Putin for years despite what he describes as an unrelenting state effort to stifle his activity could now face years in jail over legal cases that he calls trumped up.

His supporters are betting on a high-risk strategy to produce a show of anti-Kremlin street support during winter and a pandemic to pressure the authorities into freeing him.

The gamble puts the Kremlin in a quandary as to how it responds, nine months before parliamentary elections.

The West has told Moscow to let him go, sparking new tensions in already strained Russia ties as U.S. President Joe Biden launches his administration.

In a push to galvanise support,&nbsp;Navalny's team released a video about an opulent palace on the Black Sea they alleged belonged to Putin, something the Kremlin denied. The clip had been viewed more than 60 million times as of late Friday.

Police have cracked down in the run-up to the rallies, rounding up several of his allies they accused of calling for illegal protests and jailing at least two of them, including&nbsp;Navalny's spokeswoman, for more than a week each.

Authorities also announced a criminal investigation against&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;supporters over calls urging minors to attend illegal rallies that it said were made on various social networks.

Navalny's allies hope to tap into what polls say are pent-up public frustrations over years of falling wages and economic fallout from the pandemic. But Putin's grip on power looks unassailable and the 68-year-old regularly records an approval rating of over 60%, many times higher than that of&nbsp;Navalny.

Supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were set to confront Russian authorities on Saturday at nationwide rallies that the police have declared illegal and vowed to break up.

Supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were set to confront Russian authorities on Saturday at nationwide rallies that the police have declared illegal and vowed to break up. The gatherings will be the first protests by Navalny's supporters since he returned dramatically to Moscow and was immediately arrested last weekend after recovering in Germany from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia. He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. The stubborn ex-lawyer who has campaigned against Putin for years despite what he describes as an unrelenting state effort to stifle his activity could now face years in jail over legal cases that he calls trumped up. His supporters are betting on a high-risk strategy to produce a show of anti-Kremlin street support during winter and a pandemic to pressure the authorities into freeing him. The gamble puts the Kremlin in a quandary as to how it responds, nine months before parliamentary elections. The West has told Moscow to let him go, sparking new tensions in already strained Russia ties as U.S. President Joe Biden launches his administration. In a push to galvanise support, Navalny's team released a video about an opulent palace on the Black Sea they alleged belonged to Putin, something the Kremlin denied. The clip had been viewed more than 60 million times as of late Friday. Police have cracked down in the run-up to the rallies, rounding up several of his allies they accused of calling for illegal protests and jailing at least two of them, including Navalny's spokeswoman, for more than a week each. Authorities also announced a criminal investigation against Navalny supporters over calls urging minors to attend illegal rallies that it said were made on various social networks. Navalny's allies hope to tap into what polls say are pent-up public frustrations over years of falling wages and economic fallout from the pandemic. But Putin's grip on power looks unassailable and the 68-year-old regularly records an approval rating of over 60%, many times higher than that of Navalny.

Russian critic Navalny's supporters to rally for his release despite warnings

Police detained over 1,000 people and used force to break up rallies around Russia on Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters demanded the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose wife was among those detained.

Hundreds arrested during protests in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Police arrest over 1,000 people at Russia protests backing jailed Kremlin foe Navalny

Detained Kremlin Critic Alexey Navalny supporters are staging protests across Russia to force his release.

Navalny supporters stage protest against his arrest & Prez Putin

Russian authorities on Saturday detained dozens of protesters supporting Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Many of them had taken to the streets after the opposition leader was jailed.

Navalny had called for mass rallies after recovering from a poisoning, which he claimed was done by Russian authorities. He was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent called Novichok.

He returned to Moscow last weekend after undergoing treatment in Germany. Soon after landing at the Sheremetyevo Airport, he was arrested by Russian authorities.

A series of rallies are planned for today across Russia. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has increased pressure on critics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-critic-navalnys-supporters-to-rally-for-his-release-despite-warnings-358735" hreflang="en">Russian critic Navalny's supporters to rally for his release despite warnings</a>

The first series of protests took place in the Far East and Siberia - places including Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, and Chita where thousands took to the streets. 
 
Accord to a detention monitor called OVD Info, around 50 people have been detained across 10 cities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-chief-has-urged-putin-to-release-navalny-but-kremlin-wont-budge-358602" hreflang="en">EU chief has urged Putin to release Navalny. But Kremlin won't budge</a>

Before the protests began, authorities had promised a strict crackdown on unsanctioned public events, saying that such attempts would be "immediately suppressed".

Protesters are set to meet in Moscow at 1100 GMT, after which they'll march to the Kremlin.

Russian authorities on Saturday detained dozens of protesters supporting Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Many of them had taken to the streets after the opposition leader was jailed.

Russian authorities on Saturday detained dozens of protesters supporting Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Many of them had taken to the streets after the opposition leader was jailed. Navalny had called for mass rallies after recovering from a poisoning, which he claimed was done by Russian authorities. He was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent called Novichok. He returned to Moscow last weekend after undergoing treatment in Germany. Soon after landing at the Sheremetyevo Airport, he was arrested by Russian authorities. A series of rallies are planned for today across Russia. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has increased pressure on critics. Also read: Russian critic Navalny's supporters to rally for his release despite warnings The first series of protests took place in the Far East and Siberia - places including Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, and Chita where thousands took to the streets. Accord to a detention monitor called OVD Info, around 50 people have been detained across 10 cities. Also read: EU chief has urged Putin to release Navalny. But Kremlin won't budge Before the protests began, authorities had promised a strict crackdown on unsanctioned public events, saying that such attempts would be "immediately suppressed". Protesters are set to meet in Moscow at 1100 GMT, after which they'll march to the Kremlin.

Russian authorities arrest over a dozen supporters of Navalny

The European Union(EU) urged&nbsp;Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-rejects-navalnys-accusations-regarding-putins-wealth-dossier-357871">Navalny</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers&nbsp;called for an end to the&nbsp;Nord&nbsp;Stream&nbsp;2 pipeline.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-lawmakers-demand-halt-to-nord-stream-2-over-kremlin-critic-navalny-arrest-358483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning.

Navalny was arrested last Sunday at a Moscow airport as he tried to enter the country from Germany. Navalny had spent five months in Berlin recovering from nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

''We condemn his detention by the Russian authorities. Navalny's rights must be fully and unconditionally respected, we call on Russia to release him immediately and ensure his safety. We expect Russia to urgently proceed with the independent and transparent investigation into the attack on his life, and to fully cooperate with the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons to ensure an impartial and international investigation, " Charles Michel said.

Russia has come under renewed pressure after Navalny's arrest to explain the nerve agent attack on the opposition leader. The European Council president also insisted that Moscow “fully cooperate with the organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons so that an impartial international investigation can be carried out into the attack"

European Union lawmakers also passed a resolution calling to stop the completion of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The resolution said the EU should "devise a new strategy for the EU's relations with Russia, centred around support for civil society, which promotes democratic values, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights."

The pipeline is a system of offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to block the pipeline construction work with 581 votes in favor, 50 against and 44 abstentions.

The Nord Stream 2 is designed to double the capacity of the existing undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The initiative is led by &nbsp;Russia's Gazprom with western partners. The pipeline is more than 90 per cent complete and scheduled to operate from this year.

The United States is fiercely against Nord Stream 2 project. The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on a ship involved in construction work. 
. 
&nbsp;

The European Union(EU) urged Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey Navalny as lawmakers called for an end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Watch: During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning.

The European Union(EU) urged Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey Navalny as lawmakers called for an end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Watch: During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning. Navalny was arrested last Sunday at a Moscow airport as he tried to enter the country from Germany. Navalny had spent five months in Berlin recovering from nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin. ''We condemn his detention by the Russian authorities. Navalny's rights must be fully and unconditionally respected, we call on Russia to release him immediately and ensure his safety. We expect Russia to urgently proceed with the independent and transparent investigation into the attack on his life, and to fully cooperate with the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons to ensure an impartial and international investigation, " Charles Michel said. Russia has come under renewed pressure after Navalny's arrest to explain the nerve agent attack on the opposition leader. The European Council president also insisted that Moscow “fully cooperate with the organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons so that an impartial international investigation can be carried out into the attack" European Union lawmakers also passed a resolution calling to stop the completion of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The resolution said the EU should "devise a new strategy for the EU's relations with Russia, centred around support for civil society, which promotes democratic values, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights." The pipeline is a system of offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to block the pipeline construction work with 581 votes in favor, 50 against and 44 abstentions. The Nord Stream 2 is designed to double the capacity of the existing undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The initiative is led by Russia's Gazprom with western partners. The pipeline is more than 90 per cent complete and scheduled to operate from this year. The United States is fiercely against Nord Stream 2 project. The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on a ship involved in construction work. .

EU lawmakers demand end to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline over Navalny row

Russia has asked social networks, including the video-sharing app TikTok, to stop the spread of posts encouraging minors to take part in unsanctioned rallies on Saturday in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s most prominent critic, was detained at the weekend and later jailed for alleged parole violations after flying back to Russia for the first time since being poisoned by a military grade nerve agent.

He accuses Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. His supporters have called for nationwide protests on Saturday against his detention.

The prosecutor general`s office said in a statement that the rallies were illegal and access to websites calling for people to take part in them should be restricted.

The interior ministry said officers would be ready to enforce public order and would bring those calling for the protests to justice.

Communications watchdog Roskomnadzor late on Wednesday asked TikTok and Russia`s largest social network, VKontakte, to prevent the dissemination of what it called information that could lead minors to engage in illegal activities that put their life and health in danger.

Videos posted by Russian users on TikTok in support of Navalny saying they plan to join the rallies remained on the platform as of Thursday.

Navalny`s Anti-Corruption Foundation has promised to reimburse protesters for state fines they incur, his close ally Leonid Volkov said in a YouTube video.

Russian lawmakers in 2018 backed legislation to make it a jailable offence to call on anyone under 18 to attend unauthorised street protests, a move Navalny at the time said was designed to frustrate his own activity.

In Russia, protests of more than one person require the authorities` advance consent.

Russia has asked social networks, including the video-sharing app TikTok, to stop the spread of posts encouraging minors to take part in unsanctioned rallies on Saturday in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russia has asked social networks, including the video-sharing app TikTok, to stop the spread of posts encouraging minors to take part in unsanctioned rallies on Saturday in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s most prominent critic, was detained at the weekend and later jailed for alleged parole violations after flying back to Russia for the first time since being poisoned by a military grade nerve agent. He accuses Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. His supporters have called for nationwide protests on Saturday against his detention. The prosecutor general`s office said in a statement that the rallies were illegal and access to websites calling for people to take part in them should be restricted. The interior ministry said officers would be ready to enforce public order and would bring those calling for the protests to justice. Communications watchdog Roskomnadzor late on Wednesday asked TikTok and Russia`s largest social network, VKontakte, to prevent the dissemination of what it called information that could lead minors to engage in illegal activities that put their life and health in danger. Videos posted by Russian users on TikTok in support of Navalny saying they plan to join the rallies remained on the platform as of Thursday. Navalny`s Anti-Corruption Foundation has promised to reimburse protesters for state fines they incur, his close ally Leonid Volkov said in a YouTube video. Russian lawmakers in 2018 backed legislation to make it a jailable offence to call on anyone under 18 to attend unauthorised street protests, a move Navalny at the time said was designed to frustrate his own activity. In Russia, protests of more than one person require the authorities` advance consent.

Russia tells social networks: Stop promoting anti-Kremlin Navalny protests to minors

A Russian court has ordered opposition leader Alexey Navalny to be kept in custody until February 15. Meanwhile, after the court's orders, Navalny put out a video message and urged his supporters to hit the streets and not remain silent.

Opposition leader Navalny urges his supporters to hit the streets

Russia's poisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny has been detained for 30 days after his arrival from Berlin. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Russian President Vladimir Putin feels so threatened by Navalny.

Gravitas: Russia detains Opposition leader Alexey Navalny

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-to-be-detained-until-mid-feb-calls-his-supporters-to-protest-357488">Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest</a>

Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036.

Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience".

The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-us-uk-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385" hreflang="en">Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus.

Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it."

The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported. The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran. Also read| Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036. Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience". The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin. Also read| Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus. Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices. WATCH| "We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it." The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Alexei Navalny due in court on Wednesday; Kremlin 'troubled' by calls of 'illegal' protests

The Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>&nbsp;was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow&nbsp;within minutes of landing, on Sunday.

Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.&nbsp; However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.
<img alt="Alexei Navalny" data-caption="Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny enters a room at the passport control point at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2f69315-9f81-4328-8257-ae165642db64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Alexei%20Navalny%20%281%29.jpg" />
Immediately after the news broke out, the&nbsp;Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the&nbsp;Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. Immediately after the news broke out, the Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given." WATCH| His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny detained at Moscow airport

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days.

Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment.&nbsp;He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany.

The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow.&nbsp;

"I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-not-afraid-us-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385">'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. &nbsp;However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing.

Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling.

While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic.

Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian &nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country."

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15. This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days. Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment. He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany. The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow. "I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness." Also read| 'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing. Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling. While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." WATCH| "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic. Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country." Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been detained after landing in Moscow. The hearing to extend his detention was held at a Police station instead of a court. He has been denied access to legal representation.

WION Dispatch: Alexei Navalny has been denied access to legal representation

Russian Police detained prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on arrival in Moscow after he flew from Berlin, Germany for the first time since he was poisoned last summer.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny detained on arrival from Berlin

Kremlin critic Alexie Navalny is all set to return to Russia on Sunday. Navalny is returning to the country the first time since he was poisoned. Navalny also faces the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany.

Kremlin critic Navalny set to return to Moscow, shrugs risks of being jailed

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny took off on a plane bound for Russia on Sunday, to return home for the first time since he was poisoned last summer, despite Russian authorities' stated desire to arrest him and potentially jail him for years.

Kremlin critic Navalny takes off on plane to Russia despite arrest threat

The Kremlin critic &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era&nbsp;nerve agent Novichok.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-faces-arrest-as-he-flies-back-to-russia-357202">Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia</a>

He chose to fly a&nbsp;budget airline Pobeda&nbsp;from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at&nbsp;Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife,&nbsp;Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo&nbsp;airport within a few hours of take-off.

Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of&nbsp;imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was&nbsp;put on a national wanted list.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-provides-manuscripts-of-navalnys-interviews-to-russia-357135">Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia</a>

Navalny has been named in the wanted list because&nbsp;Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-set-to-return-to-moscow-shrugs-risks-of-being-jailed-357245">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-set-to-return-to-moscow-shrugs-risks-of-being-jailed-357245/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting&nbsp;Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

He has left Berlin a day after the German government&nbsp;transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities&nbsp;conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August.

While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western&nbsp;international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin. Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia He chose to fly a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife, Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was put on a national wanted list. Also read| Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia Navalny has been named in the wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out. He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. WATCH| A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). He has left Berlin a day after the German government transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August. While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport

Kremlin critic Alexie Navalny is all set to return to Russia on Sunday, which will bring him back to the country where he suffered a near-fatal attack. Navalny also faces the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny vows to return to Russia

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny's </a>alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews.

The transcripts are from the various interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August for treatment.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-could-face-35-years-in-jail-on-return-to-russia-lawyer-356701">Kremlin critic Navalny could face 3.5 years in jail on return to Russia: Lawyer&nbsp;</a>

Navalny fell critically ill on a flight and his team had alleged he had been poisoned by the Kremlin — a claim Putin's government had constantly declined.

However, several international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

Now, Germany — which had openly opposed Russia on this — has said it has answered all calls from Russia for aid in their independent Navalny probe.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-doctor-at-hospital-that-treated-navalny-promoted-341379" hreflang="en">Head doctor at hospital that treated Navalny promoted</a>

Germany has "responded yesterday to the four requests for legal assistance from the prosecution office of Russia in connection to the murder attempt on Alexei Navalny in Russia," country's justice ministry said.

Police investigators of Germany had questioned Navalny, during which he had "provided extensive answers to questions sent through by the Russian prosecutor", said a spokesman for the German justice ministry.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tried-to-kill-me-putin-critic-navalny-to-return-to-russia-on-january-17-after-recovering-from-poisoning-356429">&nbsp;'They tried to kill me': Putin critic Navalny to return to Russia on January 17 after recovering from poisoning</a>

"The government assumes that the Russian government will now take all necessary steps to clear up this crime against Mr Navalny," the spokesperson said. "All the information necessary in criminal investigations like blood and tissue samples, clothing pieces, are in, are available in Russia."

This has come a few days after it was reported by Russia's local media that Navalny has been&nbsp;put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews.

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews. The transcripts are from the various interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August for treatment. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny could face 3.5 years in jail on return to Russia: Lawyer Navalny fell critically ill on a flight and his team had alleged he had been poisoned by the Kremlin — a claim Putin's government had constantly declined. However, several international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok. Now, Germany — which had openly opposed Russia on this — has said it has answered all calls from Russia for aid in their independent Navalny probe. Also read| Head doctor at hospital that treated Navalny promoted Germany has "responded yesterday to the four requests for legal assistance from the prosecution office of Russia in connection to the murder attempt on Alexei Navalny in Russia," country's justice ministry said. Police investigators of Germany had questioned Navalny, during which he had "provided extensive answers to questions sent through by the Russian prosecutor", said a spokesman for the German justice ministry. Also read| 'They tried to kill me': Putin critic Navalny to return to Russia on January 17 after recovering from poisoning "The government assumes that the Russian government will now take all necessary steps to clear up this crime against Mr Navalny," the spokesperson said. "All the information necessary in criminal investigations like blood and tissue samples, clothing pieces, are in, are available in Russia." This has come a few days after it was reported by Russia's local media that Navalny has been put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is on a national wanted list for allegedly violating the terms of a suspended prison sentence and risks being jailed for three and a half years when he returns to Russia this weekend, one of his lawyers said on Thursday.

Navalny announced on Wednesday that he plans to fly back to Russia on Sunday for the first time since he was poisoned in August with a Novichok nerve agent, despite the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany.

The Kremlin denies involvement in his poisoning, said it has seen no evidence that he was poisoned, and has said he is free to return to Russia at any time.

Navalny on Wednesday shrugged off the growing list of legal threats, calling criminal cases against him -- of which there are at least two pending -- fabricated to thwart his political ambitions.

Vadim Kobzev, one of Navalny's lawyers, told Reuters on Thursday that Navalny had now been put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

Navalny said the original case against him was trumped up and that he was in Germany at the time being treated as an outpatient for his poisoning so could not report in. The prison service says he was discharged from a Berlin hospital in September and therefore should have returned to Moscow and reported to them.

"In theory they can detain him as soon as he arrives (in Russia) but initially only for 48 hours," said Kobzev, who said he expected a court to hear details of the case on Jan. 29 at which point it could order his suspended sentence to be converted into real jail time.

"The court can change his whole suspended sentence into a real one and give him three and a half years in jail," said Kobzev.

Leonid Volkov, an ally of Navalny, has said that Navalny will become the world's most high profile political prisoner if he is jailed, likening him to Nelson Mandela, and has said he would become a symbol of resistance to the Kremlin.

The Kremlin, which refers to Navalny only as "the Berlin patient," says it is up to the relevant law enforcement agencies to decide how he is treated.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is on a national wanted list for allegedly violating the terms of a suspended prison sentence and risks being jailed for three and a half years when he returns to Russia this weekend, one of his lawyers said on Thursday.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is on a national wanted list for allegedly violating the terms of a suspended prison sentence and risks being jailed for three and a half years when he returns to Russia this weekend, one of his lawyers said on Thursday. Navalny announced on Wednesday that he plans to fly back to Russia on Sunday for the first time since he was poisoned in August with a Novichok nerve agent, despite the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany. The Kremlin denies involvement in his poisoning, said it has seen no evidence that he was poisoned, and has said he is free to return to Russia at any time. Navalny on Wednesday shrugged off the growing list of legal threats, calling criminal cases against him -- of which there are at least two pending -- fabricated to thwart his political ambitions. Vadim Kobzev, one of Navalny's lawyers, told Reuters on Thursday that Navalny had now been put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out. Navalny said the original case against him was trumped up and that he was in Germany at the time being treated as an outpatient for his poisoning so could not report in. The prison service says he was discharged from a Berlin hospital in September and therefore should have returned to Moscow and reported to them. "In theory they can detain him as soon as he arrives (in Russia) but initially only for 48 hours," said Kobzev, who said he expected a court to hear details of the case on Jan. 29 at which point it could order his suspended sentence to be converted into real jail time. "The court can change his whole suspended sentence into a real one and give him three and a half years in jail," said Kobzev. Leonid Volkov, an ally of Navalny, has said that Navalny will become the world's most high profile political prisoner if he is jailed, likening him to Nelson Mandela, and has said he would become a symbol of resistance to the Kremlin. The Kremlin, which refers to Navalny only as "the Berlin patient," says it is up to the relevant law enforcement agencies to decide how he is treated.

Kremlin critic Navalny could face 3.5 years in jail on return to Russia: Lawyer 

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was poisoned in Russia and is currently in Germany since late August&nbsp;will return to his home country on January 17.

Navalny informed that he has booked a Pobeda airlines flight to Russia on Sunday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-navalny-i-got-my-killer-to-confess-352451/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I survived. And now (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who gave the order for my murder, is ... telling his servants to do everything so that I do not return," Navalny wrote on his Instagram post.

"There was never any question of 'returning or not' for me. Simply because I didn't leave. I ended up in Germany... for one reason: they tried to kill me," Navalny asserted.

Navalny had collapsed during a flight to Moscow as his plane made an emergency landing in Siberia and he was rushed to hospital in the city of Omsk before being transferred to Berlin by medical aircraft.

Experts in Germany and elsewhere concluded the Kremlin critic was poisoned with the Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent. Navalny had alleged Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) was behind his poisoning at the direction of President Putin.

Russian authorities dismissed claims that Putin was behind the poisoning attempt.&nbsp;

Amid the poisoning row, Russian investigators opened a criminal probe into Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, alleging he used more than $4.8 million in donations to his organisations for personal purposes including holidays abroad.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was poisoned in Russia and is currently in Germany since late August will return to his home country on January 17. Navalny informed that he has booked a Pobeda airlines flight to Russia on Sunday.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was poisoned in Russia and is currently in Germany since late August will return to his home country on January 17. Navalny informed that he has booked a Pobeda airlines flight to Russia on Sunday. Watch: "I survived. And now (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who gave the order for my murder, is ... telling his servants to do everything so that I do not return," Navalny wrote on his Instagram post. "There was never any question of 'returning or not' for me. Simply because I didn't leave. I ended up in Germany... for one reason: they tried to kill me," Navalny asserted. Navalny had collapsed during a flight to Moscow as his plane made an emergency landing in Siberia and he was rushed to hospital in the city of Omsk before being transferred to Berlin by medical aircraft. Experts in Germany and elsewhere concluded the Kremlin critic was poisoned with the Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent. Navalny had alleged Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) was behind his poisoning at the direction of President Putin. Russian authorities dismissed claims that Putin was behind the poisoning attempt. Amid the poisoning row, Russian investigators opened a criminal probe into Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, alleging he used more than $4.8 million in donations to his organisations for personal purposes including holidays abroad.

'They tried to kill me': Putin critic Navalny to return to Russia on January 17 after recovering from poisoning

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok.

According to media reports, the critic is set to be sentenced in absentia for allegedly breaking the terms of a sentence he had been serving, and for other infractions. The court documents were seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-navalny-i-got-my-killer-to-confess-352451/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last month, Russia’s Federal Prison Service (FSIN) ordered Navalny to immediately return from Germany, and to be report in Moscow or face jail time.

On December 30, Russian investigators &nbsp;claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-new-case-against-navalny-the-putin-critic-who-was-poisoned-in-august-353254" hreflang="en">Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August</a>

The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs 
 
Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-criminal-probe-into-alexei-navalnys-ally-over-threat-352239" hreflang="en">Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat'</a>

Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. 
Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany.

Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him.

Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target.

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok.

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok. According to media reports, the critic is set to be sentenced in absentia for allegedly breaking the terms of a sentence he had been serving, and for other infractions. The court documents were seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Last month, Russia’s Federal Prison Service (FSIN) ordered Navalny to immediately return from Germany, and to be report in Moscow or face jail time. On December 30, Russian investigators claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned. Also read: Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself. Also read: Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat' Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany. Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him. Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target.

Russian judge reportedly asked to jail poisoned Putin critic Navalny

Russian investigators on Tuesday claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned.

The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-fsb-spy-admits-putting-poison-in-underwear-351485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a series of moves, Russia has attempted to prevent Navalny from returning since he was poisoned.&nbsp; Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-criminal-probe-into-alexei-navalnys-ally-over-threat-352239" hreflang="en">Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat'</a>

Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually.

Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany.

Russia’s Investigative Committee on Tuesday accused Navalny along with a few other undisclosed people of fraud, claiming he had spent $4.81 million which was donated to one of his organisations for his personal needs.

According to the Committee, he has used the money to purchase services and goods for personal needs, including international trips.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-imposes-travel-ban-on-eu-representatives-over-navalny-controversy-351596" hreflang="en">Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy</a>

Navalny hit back on Twitter, claiming it is fabricated and that it qualifies as hysterical action on Putin’s part. He added that he predicted he would be jailed after Russian authorities failed to kill him.

So far, Russian authorities have refused to comment on this. Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him.

Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target. On Monday, Russia’s prison service gave an ultimatum to Navalny, asking him to fly back by Tuesday, or be jailed after returning beyond the deadline. Naturally, he couldn’t go back.

Russian investigators on Tuesday claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned. The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs.

Russian investigators on Tuesday claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned. The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs. In a series of moves, Russia has attempted to prevent Navalny from returning since he was poisoned. Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself. Also read: Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat' Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany. Russia’s Investigative Committee on Tuesday accused Navalny along with a few other undisclosed people of fraud, claiming he had spent $4.81 million which was donated to one of his organisations for his personal needs. According to the Committee, he has used the money to purchase services and goods for personal needs, including international trips. Also read: Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy Navalny hit back on Twitter, claiming it is fabricated and that it qualifies as hysterical action on Putin’s part. He added that he predicted he would be jailed after Russian authorities failed to kill him. So far, Russian authorities have refused to comment on this. Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him. Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target. On Monday, Russia’s prison service gave an ultimatum to Navalny, asking him to fly back by Tuesday, or be jailed after returning beyond the deadline. Naturally, he couldn’t go back.

Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August

In a video, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed he tricked a Russian spy into confessing to a plot to kill him. Russian Intelligence Agency - The FSB called the video a 'forgery'. But now, an ally of Navalny has been arrested. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Navalny: I got my killer to confess

Russian law enforcement agencies opened a criminal case against Lyubov Sobol, an ally of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, and took her in for questioning early on Friday after raiding her home, Navalny and his supporters said.

Russia opens criminal case against ally of Kremlin critic Navalny

The agents of the Kremlin tried to poison outspoken Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny a second time after the first attempt failed

Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt

navalny

Navalny, News on Navalny, stories on Navalny, articles on Navalny, Navalny stories at Wion, Navalny news, Navalny latest news