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Kremlin critic Navalny given suspended sentence, brother jailed
Source: Reuters
Kremlin critic Navalny given suspended sentence, brother jailed
BY MARIA TSVETKOVA
MOSCOW Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:30am EST
(Reuters) - A Russian court gave Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny a suspended sentence on Tuesday for embezzling money but jailed his brother for three and a half years in a case seen as part of a campaign to stifle dissent.
Navalny led mass protests against President Vladimir Putin three years ago, when tens of thousands took to the streets in Moscow and St Petersburg to protest against corruption in his government and inner circle.
Opposition figures say jailing Navalny risked a new wave of protests so he was being punished through his brother instead. The EU said the verdict appeared to be politically motivated and a German official said the ruling was a blow to civil society.
Hundreds of Navalny's supporters gathered in front of the Kremlin on Tuesday evening but the numbers were modest compared to previous protests as Russians prepare to celebrate the New Year. Navalny said on his twitter account he broke house arrest to join the rally.
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BY MARIA TSVETKOVA
MOSCOW Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:30am EST
(Reuters) - A Russian court gave Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny a suspended sentence on Tuesday for embezzling money but jailed his brother for three and a half years in a case seen as part of a campaign to stifle dissent.
Navalny led mass protests against President Vladimir Putin three years ago, when tens of thousands took to the streets in Moscow and St Petersburg to protest against corruption in his government and inner circle.
Opposition figures say jailing Navalny risked a new wave of protests so he was being punished through his brother instead. The EU said the verdict appeared to be politically motivated and a German official said the ruling was a blow to civil society.
Hundreds of Navalny's supporters gathered in front of the Kremlin on Tuesday evening but the numbers were modest compared to previous protests as Russians prepare to celebrate the New Year. Navalny said on his twitter account he broke house arrest to join the rally.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/30/us-russia-crisis-navalny-idUSKBN0K80AA20141230
