Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

 

　　Navalny is denying the charge, he's insisting he was brought to trial because of his opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

 

　　Navalny has been convicted of embezzling millions of roubles from a local state-owned timber company.

 

　　But he has always maintained the charges were politically motivated.

 

　　Navalny blogged about Russia's corruption and his investigations have targeted a wide circle of people loyal to President Vladimir Putin.

 

　　He also spearheaded the wave of massive protest rallies in late 2011.

 

　　His supporters are already planning a rally just outside the Kremlin walls later on this Thursday evening, despite the fact authorities refused to give the green light for a protest.