Russian Court Considers Ban on Groups Founded by Opposition Leader Navalny

A Russian court has begun considering a request from prosecutors to ban organizations founded by jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny. 

Along with a new law, a ruling to outlaw the organizations would prohibit people linked to the groups from seeking public office, including seats in parliament, before a vital parliamentary election in September. Prosecutors have asked the Moscow City Court to declare Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption and his group of offices across Russia as extremist organizations. Attorneys in the case said the court is expected to issue a ruling on the case on Wednesday.