Report: Stark Putin critic Navalny hit with criminal conviction

• Alexei Navalny is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critics


• He wants to run for mayor of Moscow


• If the conviction stands, Navalny will not be able to run for public office


• The activist has called the trial politically motivated

Moscow (CNN) — Alexei Navalny has said all along a court would convict him. Not because he’s guilty, but because it would prevent him from running as mayor of Moscow.

On Thursday, a Russian court did just that to Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critics.

The court, in the city of Kirov, ruled Navalny was guilty of misappropriating about $ 500,000 worth of lumber from a state-owned company.

If the conviction stands, Navalny will not be able to run for public office.

The prosecutor has asked the court to sentence him to six years on prison.

The activist has called the trial politically motivated. He has said it’s retaliation for taking to task the Kremlin.

Three months ago, Navalny’s voice boomed out over a microphone from a Moscow stage in front of tens of thousands, as he blasted Russia’s most powerful man as the foe of democracy.

CNN’s Matthew Chance reported from Moscow; Ben Brumfield wrote from Atlanta.

CNN.com Recently Published/Updated

Report: Stark Putin critic Navalny hit with criminal conviction