Putin protest leader ‘plotted mass unrest’

Published on 18/10/2012 00:00

Russian investigators opened criminal proceedings yesterday against a prominent protest leader, Sergei Udaltsov, claiming he planned mass disorder aimed at president Vladimir Putin.

Officials said a documentary shown on a pro-Kremlin television channel showed evidence of wrongdoing and prompted a dawn raid on Mr Udaltsov’s Moscow flat and a search of the homes of two associates, who face charges which could bring a jail term of ten years if proven.

NTV aired allegations that Mr Udaltsov received money and orders from an ally of Georgian president Mikhiel Saakashvili.

“The main department of the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Sergei Udaltsov … based on ­evidence of … preparing mass disorder,” the Federal Investigative Committee said.