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Criminal Cases Against Russian Opposition Activists Head To Court


Sergei Udaltsov speaks during an opposition rally in Moscow last year.
Sergei Udaltsov speaks during an opposition rally in Moscow last year.
The criminal cases against Russian opposition activists Sergei Udaltsov and Leonid Razvozzhayev are on their way to court.

Udaltsov lawyer Violetta Volkova told journalists on June 21 that the investigations had been closed and the case would be given to the prosecutor’s office after the lawyers studied the materials.

Udaltsov, who is the coordinator of the Left Front movement, and Razvozzhayev, a Russian opposition lawmaker's aide, are officially charged with the preparation and the organization of mass unrest.

Razvozzhayev is also charged with illegal border crossing.

The activists were arrested in October 2012 for their alleged role in organizing violent demonstrations last year on Moscow’s Bolotnaya Square, which investigators say was orchestrated by a Georgian politician.

Udaltsov has been under house arrest.

Both deny any wrongdoing, saying the case is politically motivated.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS, Interfax, and RIA Novosti

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