Russian Authorities Add 'Violation of Civil Rights' Charges Against Navalny

Prison Term May Be Extended by 3 Years

(Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Russian investigative authorities have filed additional charges against opposition activist Alexei Navalny, who is currently serving a prison sentence, accusing him of violating citizens' rights, which could extend his incarceration by another three years.

On the 11th (local time), according to local media including TASS news agency, the Russian Investigative Committee for Serious Crimes stated, "We are investigating allegations that Navalny established a non-profit organization that infringes on citizens' identities and rights."

The committee specified that Navalny, through the Anti-Corruption Foundation, incited illegal activities among citizens and committed acts that violated their rights. If these charges are confirmed, Navalny's prison term will be extended by three years from the current 2 years and 6 months.

The committee indicated that Navalny created and operated the Anti-Corruption Foundation, a non-profit organization representing foreign interests, and disseminated messages urging citizens to participate in illegal assemblies via the foundation’s website and his personal sites.

Founded by Navalny in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation is an organization that has repeatedly exposed corruption allegations involving high-ranking Russian officials, including revelations about a luxury villa owned by President Vladimir Putin, which caused a significant stir.

Earlier in June, the Moscow City Court ruled that the Anti-Corruption Foundation and other social movement groups established by Navalny were extremist organizations. Subsequently, on the 4th, the appellate court upheld this ruling. As a result of the court decision, the Anti-Corruption Foundation was forced to shut down.

Amid this, investigative authorities have increased pressure by filing additional charges against Navalny linked to the Anti-Corruption Foundation.

Navalny, identified as a political opponent of President Putin, collapsed last August due to poisoning symptoms and was treated in Germany. Upon returning to Russia in January this year, he was immediately arrested. In the subsequent trial, his suspended sentence from 2014 for fraud was converted into a prison term of 3 years and 6 months. He is currently serving 2 years and 6 months of that sentence, excluding the time spent in detention during investigation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.