Russian opposition activist and anti-corruption crusader Alexei Navalny, 38, waits for a start of a trial in a court room in Moscow, Russia. (Associated Press photo)
MOSCOW:
Supporters of Russia's most prominent opposition leader are preparing to protest near the Kremlin despite the government's efforts to hamper their plans by Internet censorship.
Last week, prosecutors asked a court to sentence Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's chief foe, to 10 years in prison for allegedly defrauding a cosmetics company, charges he dismissed as ludicrous.
Mr Navalny's supporters set up a group on Facebook to organize a protest outside the Kremlin on January 15, the day of the verdict. But the Russian communications oversight agency said it immediately requested that Facebook block the group, which it did over the weekend.
Access to the Facebook page in Russia has remained blocked, but Navalny supporters continued to discuss the protest plans on Twitter and other platforms on Tuesday. Facebook had no immediate comment.
Last week, prosecutors asked a court to sentence Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's chief foe, to 10 years in prison for allegedly defrauding a cosmetics company, charges he dismissed as ludicrous.
Mr Navalny's supporters set up a group on Facebook to organize a protest outside the Kremlin on January 15, the day of the verdict. But the Russian communications oversight agency said it immediately requested that Facebook block the group, which it did over the weekend.
Access to the Facebook page in Russia has remained blocked, but Navalny supporters continued to discuss the protest plans on Twitter and other platforms on Tuesday. Facebook had no immediate comment.
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