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Aleksei Navalny Verdict Protests -- Liveblog

RFE/RL is live-blogging a mass unsanctioned protest taking place near the Kremlin this evening after a Kirov court sentenced Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny to five years in a penal colony. The decision has been widely condemned as politically motivated.

Here's a quick summary of today's events
  • Aleksei Navalny and co-defendant Pytor Ofitserov are convicted by a Kirov court of embezzlement and sentenced to five and four years in jail, respectively.
  • The final post from Navalny's Twitter account after the verdict reminds supporters to gather in protest at Manezh Square in Moscow on July 18.
  • Authorities close off Manezh Square and Red Square, with hundreds of people already gathering nearby.
  • Navalny's lawyer urges Muscovites to boycott local elections in September.
  • U.S. and EU officials cast doubt on the trial and cite political motives, echoing similar accusations from rights groups.
20:54 18.7.2013
20:52 18.7.2013
A Tweet from Navalny's account -- not clear who has access to it right now:

"Thanks to all! It is a crazy feeling when you understand that you don't stand alone!"
20:43 18.7.2013
Mikhail Gorbachev statement: Here's what I know about the case - it began, then was closed and then opened again, as seen in the proceedings -- unfortunately this confirms our lack of an independent judiciary. Without going into details, I want to say that this has left a very bad impression.
20:37 18.7.2013
20:33 18.7.2013
"TV Rain," a liberal cable and Internet channel, reports that Navalny will continue his campaign for mayor if he is released from prison.

20:29 18.7.2013
Again, Kirov prosecutors have asked the court to reconsider Navalny's arrest today. They say he should not be jailed until the sentence goes into force.

20:26 18.7.2013
Panorama from Saint Petersburg

20:24 18.7.2013
Protesters singing, "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Navalny is our mayor." (it sounds better in Russian)
20:20 18.7.2013
From RFE/RL correspondent Richard Solash in Washington:

U.S. Senators John McCain and Benjamin Cardin have slammed the Navalny verdict. In a joint statement, McCain says the verdict "would be a total farce if it were not so deeply tragic, especially for Russia." Navalny and others "finding the courage to speak up against the injustices, suppression of freedom, and the growing culture of impunity in Russia today" are "Russian patriots, servants of justice and truth, and the future leaders of their country." Cardin says the verdict "continues Russia's turn back to the darker days of the Soviet Union." "Trumped up charges and sham verdicts of political opponents, critics, and individuals who simply want to see a better future for their country, will only embolden, not end, the growing campaigns to name and shame corrupt officials and those who blatantly betray the trust of the Russian people. No one is fooled by the games being played here." Both senators call for Navalny's release.
20:18 18.7.2013
From Saint Petersburg, where Lenta.ru, a Russian news site, is reporting that 25 people have been arrested.

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