Watchdog

The Moscow City Court on February 17 upheld sentences imposed last year against Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and his brother Oleg.

The court rejected calls for the Navalny brothers to be released,as well as a call by Russian prosecutors for their sentences to be increased to up to 10 years in prison.

The two were convicted of stealing 30 million rubles (nearly $500,000) from two firms between 2008 and 2012.

On December 30, a Moscow court sentenced Oleg to 3 1/2 years in prison and gave Aleksei a 3 1/2 year suspended sentence.

Aleksei Navalny demanded from the court that his brother be released from custody, saying he was used as "a hostage" by Russian authorities to impose pressure on his political activities.

Aleksei Navalny has promised to lead 100,000 people in a March 1 protest against Kremlin policies that he says are leading the country deeper into economic crisis.

Based on reporting by Interfax and RIA

TASHKENT – Two Uzbek human rights activists have not been allowed to travel to South Korea's capital, Seoul, to receive an international award.

Tashkent-based Shukhrat Rustamov said on February 16 that Uzbek authorities had denied "exit visas" to him and the chairwoman of the Uzbek Human Rights Defenders' Alliance, Elena Urlaeva.

Rustamov said he and Urlaeva have been invited to Seoul to receive the Tji Haksoon Justice and Peace award during a March 11 ceremony.

The Uzbek Human Rights Defenders' Alliance won the prestigious award this year.

The award includes $10,000 in prize money.

It was established by the Tji Haksoon Foundation in 1977 to commemorate Korean Bishop Tji, who campaigned for justice and peace.

Uzbek citizens are required to get an official permission to leave the country, known as exit visa.

The authorities often use the regulation to prevent citizens from leaving the country.