Russia Sets Trial Date Set For Udaltsov, Razvozzhayev

Russian oppositionist Sergei Udaltsov

A trial date has been set for two opposition figures accused of organizing antigovernment unrest in Russia last year.

A lawyer for Left Front movement coordinator Sergei Udaltsov, Violetta Volkova, said on December 18 that a hearing for Udaltsov and his alleged accomplice, Leonid Razvozzhayev, will start in Moscow City Court on December 26.

Udaltsov is accused of preparing mass riots in Russian regions and organizing a rally against President Vladimir Putin on Moscow's Bolotnaya Square in May 2012 which turned violent.

Scores of protesters and police were injured.

Razvozzhayev is also accused of organizing mass riots on Bolotnaya Square and other regions of Russia and of illegally crossing the border.

Two other men -- Konstantin Lebedev and Georgian citizen Givi Targamadze -- have also been charged with involvement in the alleged plot.

Lebedev has already been jailed after confessing his guilt.

Targamadze remains outside Russia.


Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax