Watchdog

MOSCOW -- A Russian opposition activist jailed over a march in Moscow this week says he is going on a "dry hunger strike" in protest, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

Sergei Udaltsov, a coordinator for the opposition movement Levy Front (Left Front), was sentenced to 10 days' administrative detention on October 13 after being found guilty of resisting police.

Udaltsov was one of the organizers of the opposition Day of Wrath protest in Moscow the previous day.

Udaltsov told RFE/RL he considered the verdict unjust and would therefore refuse both food and drink.

"I consider the trial was staged. I was not given the opportunity to use my right to a final statement. The judge rejected the video footage that I wanted screened in court. The judge's decisions were based on testimony by police, who told downright lies, claiming I tried to break through the police cordon, that I ignored their orders and tried to escape," Udaltsov told RFE/RL.

Udaltsov was arrested on October 12 after he and other Day of Wrath participants tried to march toward the presidential offices in order to submit their written demands to the presidential chief of staff. The Moscow authorities gave permission for the Day of Wrath, but only as a gathering, not as a march, which is why police stopped the march and arrested several activists.

The Day of Wrath was held under the following slogans: "It Is Time To Change Leaders!" "Rigged Elections Are Illegal!" and "Stop Price Hikes!"

Read more in Russian here

BAKU -- Two senior European Union officials have expressed concern over the recent sentencing of 14 participants in a quashed opposition protest demonstration in Baku in early April, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.

Thirteen of the activists in recent weeks received prison terms ranging from 1 1/2 to three years on charges of violating public order and resisting officials. One received a suspended prison term.

Responding by e-mail on October 13 to a question submitted by RFE/RL, European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek called for the release of "all remaining political prisoners" in Azerbaijan.

Buzek stressed that "the EU wants to be a key partner in building a modern, prosperous, and democratic Azerbaijan. I hope that the dialogue and openness for freedom of expression, media pluralism, and constructive engagement with the opposition and civil society will be further strengthened."

Buzek said Baku's relationship with the EU "would become even stronger with more progress on human rights and political freedoms."

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton issued a statement calling on Baku to ensure a fair appeal process for the activists.

In the October 12 statement, Ashton reaffirmed the importance the EU attaches to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, in its relations with partner countries.

"These are core values at the heart of the Eastern Partnership and the ongoing negotiation of an Association Agreement with Azerbaijan. The rule of law in the country must ensure that those principles are respected, that court proceedings are free of political interference, and that independent lawyers work with no impediments," the statement said. "The High Representative therefore calls on Azerbaijan to provide for a fair and transparent appeal process."

More in Azerbaijani here