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Putin critic Navalny jailed in Russia protests

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 01:50

Baton-wielding riot police broke up anti-corruption protests and detained hundreds of demonstrators in Moscow and other Russian cities on Monday, before a court sentenced opposition leader Alexei Navalny to his second prison term this year. Scarlett Cvitanovich reports.

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Still smiling despite receiving his second prison term this year. A Russian court sentencing Kremlin critic and opposition leader Alexei Navalny to 30 days in jail. A judge at a midnight court hearing finding him guilty of repeatedly violating the law on organising public meetings. Navalny was detained at home as he was heading out to his own anti-corruption protest in Moscow. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OPPOSITION LEADER, ALEXEI NAVALNY, SAYING: "Of course I didn't expect it, even though yes it happens constantly to others, but with me it was the first time." Police driving him away from his apartment and cutting off electricity in his office, briefly bringing down a live feed of nationwide protests. Authorities say the protests were unauthorised and illegal. Baton-wielding riot police breaking up anti-Kremlin demonstrators filling Moscow's streets. Detaining hundreds of people in the capital and other Russian cities. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OPPOSITION LEADER, ALEXEI NAVALNY, SAYING: "Everything that has happened again shows us that large masses of people, large groups of people cannot be repressed and that the authorities cannot really do anything with tens of thousands on the streets, therefore we must continue taking part in actions, peacefully, but if they won't let us take part then regardless one should still go out and not wait for people's permission." Navalny plans to run against incumbent Vladimir Putin in next year's presidential election. According to polls his chances are slim and it's even unclear whether the Kremlin will allow him to run. But he hopes anger over corruption will boost his cause and allow him to build on the success of a mass protest across Russia in March. That led to over 1,000 arrests, and rare domestic pressure on Putin. And saw Navalny sentenced to a 15-day jail term.