Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny handed a 5-year suspended prison sentence

Aleksey Navalny, a Russian opposition leader was slapped with a five-year suspended prison sentence subsequent to discovering him blameworthy of embezzlement, a move which may jeopardize his intention to run for the office of the President of the Russian Federation against incumbent President, President Vladimir Putin in 2018. Navalny was discovered liable of misappropriation in connection to a timber firm called Kirovles. 
Aleksey was sentenced at the Leninsky District Court in Russia.

The presiding judge over the embezzlement case, Judge Aleksey Vtyurin on Wednesday, February 8, 2017,  gave Aleksey Navalny a five-year suspended jail sentence. He was likewise fined him 500,000 roubles ($8,442.04). 

Addressing pressmen, Navalny said he would appeal against the sentence and would partake in the presidential race in any case. 

‘We don't recognise this ruling. I have every right to take part in the election according to the constitution and I will do so,' said Navalny.