Investigators launch new criminal investigation against Russian protest leader Navalny

MOSCOW – Russia’s top investigative agency says it has opened a new criminal probe against opposition leader Alexei Navalny on allegations of theft.

The 36-year-old corruption-fighting lawyer and popular blogger has played a key role in rallying Russia’s young Internet generation against Vladimir Putin’s rule.

Over the winter, Navalny spearheaded a series of opposition rallies in Moscow that drew up to 100,000 to the streets ahead of the March vote in which Putin won a third presidential term.

The State Investigative Committee said Tuesday that it suspects Navalny of organizing a scheme to steal assets from a state timber company. He may face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Navalny has denied any wrongdoing.

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