Prosecutors Seek To Ban Navalny's Group

Russian prosecutors are asking a Moscow court to outlaw groups founded by Alexei Navalny.

A Moscow court is expected Wednesday to outlaw the organizations founded by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny — part of authorities' efforts to muzzle critics ahead of a crucial parliamentary election in September. Prosecutors have asked the Moscow City Court to designate Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption and his sprawling network of regional offices across Russia as extremist organizations. In conjunction with a new law, the ruling would bar people associated with the groups from running for public office, derailing the hopes of Navalny's allies of seeking parliamentary seats. The extremism label would also mean that activists who have worked with the organizations, anyone who donated to them, and even those who simply shared the groups' materials could be prosecuted and receive lengthy prison terms.