Navalny inside Moscow court for appeal hearing

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny returned to court on Saturday to appeal the ruling on his jailing for violating the terms of his probation while he was recuperating in Germany from nerve-agent poisoning. Navalny was uncuffed when he entered the courtroom and made the "V" sign to the audience. The prison sentence stems from a 2014 embezzlement conviction that he has rejected as fabricated.

The 44-year-old Navalny was arrested January 17 upon returning from his five-month convalescence in Germany from the attack, which he has blamed on the Kremlin. Russian authorities deny any involvement. Babushkinsky court will also examine the defamation case later in the day.

Authorities opened a criminal case against Navalny, the most prominent foe of President Vladimir Putin, for allegedly slandering a World War II veteran.

Last June, Russia's Investigative Committee launched a probe into Navalny on charges of defamation, after the politician slammed people featured in a video promoting the constitutional reform that allowed an extension to President Vladimir Putin's rule as "corrupt stooges" and "traitors."

The authorities maintained that Navalny's comments "denigrate (the) honour and dignity" of a World War II veteran featured in the video. If convicted, Navalny faces a fine or community service.

Image: AP