MOSCOW (RUSSIA) – State prosecutors in Russia urged a court on Tuesday to impose a fine of 950,000 roubles on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for slandering a veteran of World War Two. Navalny has termed the allegation politically motivated.
The most prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin was jailed this month for almost three years on charges of violating parole, which he said were trumped up allegations. The West has slammed the case and is mulling sanctions on the country.
The critic has been accused of defaming the veteran who was part of a promotional video supporting constitutional reforms last year that allowed Putin to contest two more terms after 2024 if he wishes so.
Navalny slammed the people in the video as traitors and corrupt lackeys.
Most Russians revere veterans of what Moscow terms the Great Patriotic War and criticism against them is regarded as unacceptable and insulting.
The critic has accused Kremling authorities of using the slander accusation to tarnish his reputation. It remains unclear if state prosecutors would seek custodial sentence apart from a fine.
His arrest and imprisonment sparked protests across the country. His allies said they have put on hold serious demonstrations until the spring.