5 Jul 2013 16:33

Navalny says criminal action won't stop him engaging in political activities

KIROV, Russia. July 5 (Interfax) - Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny has told the court trying him on embezzlement charges that the criminal action against him will not stop him from pursuing his political and human rights activities.

"If there is anyone who believes that my colleagues and I will stop the activities that we are involved in, they are badly mistaken," Navalny said in his final statement at the conclusion of his trial in Kirov.

The prosecution called on the court to convict Navalny of complicity in large-scale theft and to sentence him to a six-year term in a standard penal colony.

The defense insists on his acquittal.

Navalny is accused of alleged fraud involving the Kirovles timber company.