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Jailed Russian Activist Accused Of Illegal Border Crossing


Opposition supporters hold posters bearing portraits of detained opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev during a rally in central Moscow on October 30.
Opposition supporters hold posters bearing portraits of detained opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev during a rally in central Moscow on October 30.
A new criminal investigation has been launched against detained Russian opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev.

Vladimir Markin, the spokesman for Russia's Investigative Committee, said on December 4 that Razvozzhayev could be charged with illegally crossing the border when he left Russia for Ukraine in October.

Markin said Razvozzhayev used his brother's passport to cross the border.

Razvozzhayev is currently in a Moscow jail facing charges of organizing mass riots.

The charges are part of a wider investigation into opposition activists sparked by allegations against them in a documentary aired on state-controlled television.

He has also been charged with armed robbery in an alleged 15-year-old incident.

Razvozzhayev claims he was kidnapped in Ukraine, forcibly brought back to Russia, tortured, and forced to make a confession.

His case has raised serious concerns among human rights activists.

Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS

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