Leading Russian opposition figure released after 15 days in custodyMarch 6, 2015 - 13:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Leading Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has been released after spending 15 days in custody for handing out leaflets in the subway, the Associated Press reports. Navalny walked free Friday, March 6, after serving the sentence handed down by a Moscow court, which found him guilty of violating the law when he campaigned in the subway for an opposition rally. A court rejected his plea for early release to attend Tuesday's funeral of slain Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov. Navalny was convicted in late December of fraud and given a 3½-year suspended sentence and ordered to remain under house arrest until his appeals were exhausted. He has repeatedly violated his house arrest since then. Navalny's brother was imprisoned under the verdict, which many see as a vendetta by the Kremlin. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |