Kremlin critic Navalny jailed for 20 days over rally

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Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s campaign plans for next year's presidential election ran into a new hurdle on Monday after a Russian court sentenced the Kremlin critic to 20 days in prison, his third jail term this year.

Russia holds a presidential election in March next year. The incumbent Vladimir Putin has yet to announce his candidacy but is widely expected to do so and to win.

Meanwhile, Russia's central election commission has declared Navalny ineligible because of a suspended prison sentence for fraud. The charismatic anti-corruption campaigner however says it was politically motivated and still hopes to run.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, September 28, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

On Friday, he was detained by police as he left his Moscow home to attend a pre-election rally in the provincial city of Nizhny Novgorod. He was later charged with repeatedly violating laws governing the organization of public meetings and rallies.

Authorities say Navalny, 41, and his supporters did not receive permission from local officials to hold the Nizhny Novgorod rally, while Navalny claims it was authorized.

On Monday, a court sentenced him to 20 days in jail, meaning he will miss a campaign rally planned in Putin's hometown of St Petersburg on October 7 - when the Russian leader will celebrate his 65th birthday.

Alexei Navalny's Twitter account. /CGTN screenshot

"Old man Putin is so scared of our meetings in the regions that he decided to make himself happy with a small gift for his jubilee," Navalny said on Twitter after his sentencing.

Navalny has been jailed twice already this year after organizing rallies and protests against government corruption.

After he declared his bid he was hit by a new wave of legal obstacles and attacks, and even had to travel to Spain for eye surgery after one assault left him almost blind in one eye.

Russian opposition activists say they are coming under increased pressure as the election approaches, with authorities frequently turning a blind eye to violent attacks.

In an address from the courtroom after Monday’s verdict, Navalny called on his supporters to use the occasion to take to the streets not only in Saint Petersburg but across the country. "Do not give up, keep resisting," he said.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters