Russian opposition activist Sergei Udaltsov has been denied parole by a court in the Tambov region, his attorney Violetta Volkova said, the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI) reported Tuesday.
The administration of the penal colony argued against the early release of Udaltsov ?€” citing his refusal to admit guilt, RAPSI reported.
Udaltsov ?€” a leader of the Left Front, a socialist organization that has adamantly opposed the prolonged rule of President Vladimir Putin ?€” was convicted of ?€?organizing riots?€? and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison.
A mass anti-Kremlin rally on the eve of President Vladimir Putin's inauguration on May 6, 2012 resulted in clashes with the police on Bolotnaya Ploshchad. Dozens were later charged with inciting mass riots and using violence against law enforcement officers.
Protest leaders Sergei Udaltsov and Leonid Razvozzhayev were convicted in July 2014 of having organized riots at the rally.
Human rights activists denounced Udaltsov?€™s trial as a mockery of justice and said the sentencing marked a virtual end to political freedom in Russia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.