The trial has begun in Moscow of the latest Russian opposition activist to face charges over speaking out against the Kremlin.
Ednews reports citing Euronews that Vladimir Kara-Murza is accused of treason for spreading what prosecutors claim was 'fake news' about the Russian army. He faces 25 years in jail.
His lawyer, Vadim Prokhorov, said the trial was politically motivated and unduly accelerated.
"It is obvious that the authorities decided to hold the trial of Kara-Murza at a cosmic pace, as quickly as possible, the next hearing is already on Thursday 16 March, and unfortunately there is no doubt what the final verdict will be."
At the European Parliament, prominent liberal MEP for Renew Europe, Guy Verhofstadt, spoke out against Moscow's treatment of Kara-Murza and other Kremlin opponents.