Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has lost his appeal against a 19-year sentence added to his existing jail term.
The sentence was imposed in August after he was convicted on six charges related to alleged extremist activity – which he denied.
The appeal was rejected by a judge in Moscow, with Mr Navalny – wearing a black prison uniform – joining by video link from prison.
Media were not allowed to witness proceedings apart from the reading of the verdict.
The 19-year sentence was imposed on top of 11 and a half years he was already serving after being convicted of fraud and other charges.
Mr Navalny has said the all the charges against him are politically motivated and an attempt to silence his criticism of President Putin’s regime.
His political movement has been outlawed and declared “extremist”.
The 47-year-old returned to Russia voluntarily in 2021 after nearly dying after being poisoned with a nerve agent, but was immediately arrested.
He is imprisoned at a facility in Melekhovo, about 145 miles (235 km) east of Moscow.
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