A coordinator of imprisoned Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's team in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan, Eduard Atayev, was sentenced on November 22 to six years and five months on charges of illegally possessing weapons, explosives, and drugs. Atayev's lawyer, Israfil Gadadov, told RFE/RL that the court's ruling will be appealed. Atayev has called the charges politically motivated, saying police planted a pistol, ammunition, and drugs at his house. In recent months, many of Navalny’s associates have been arrested and charged with various crimes. Others fled Russia amid a broad crackdown on political and civil dissent. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Caucasus.Realities, click here.
Navalny Associate In Daghestan Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison
Eduard Atayev (file photo)