Alexey Navalny Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison by Russian Court in New Case

A Russian court on Friday issued its verdict in a new case against jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny, extending his prison sentence by 19 years.

Navalny, who has been an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin’s government, was already serving a nine-year sentence in a high-security prison for parole violations, fraud, and contempt of court.

The Moscow City Court convicted Navalny of promoting “extremism” and sentenced him to 19 years in prison. The prosecution had demanded a 20-year sentence, and the politician himself said beforehand that he expected to receive a lengthy term.

Navalny’s team has denounced the charges as politically motivated and said the court’s decision was “a travesty of justice.” They have vowed to appeal the ruling.

Navalny’s supporters have called for his immediate release, and his case has drawn international attention and condemnation from the United States and European Union. The United Nations has also called for his release, saying the charges against him are “politically motivated.”