Watchdog

A Moscow court has sentenced Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny to 15 days in jail for distributing fliers promoting an unsanctioned opposition protest.

The Presnya district court ruled on February 19 that Navalny violated laws on mass gatherings by passing out fliers for the planned March 1 protest in Moscow.

Navalny and an associate were detained by police in central Moscow for several hours on February 15 for distributing the leaflets.

Navalny wrote on Twitter earlier on February 19 that police came to his office and forced him to go to the court.

The sentence is likely to prevent him from attending the protest. He said earlier that he would lead 100,000 people in the demonstration.

Navalny, who led antigovernment protests in 2011-2012, is currently serving two suspended sentences on theft convictions.

He denies wrongdoing and says the cases against him are politically motivated.

With reporting by Tass, RBC, AP, and Interfax

MINSK -- Jailed Belarusian activist Mikalay Dzyadok is facing an extension of his prison term.

Dzyadok's wife, Valeriya Khotsina, said on February 18 that her husband will face trial on February 25 inside the penitentiary in the eastern city of Mahileu where he is being held.

He was charged with violating the penitentiary’s rules.

If Dzyadok is found guilty, his prison term could be extended by up to one year.

Dzyadok, an activist of an anarchist group, is serving a 4 1/2 years prison term for hooliganism. It is expected to end on March 3.

Dzyadok, who insists he is not guilty, has refused to ask for clemency.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has recognized Dzyadok as a political prisoner.

With reporting by statkevich.org