Russia bars media from new "extremism" case against Navalny

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen via video link from a penal colony during a preliminary hearing at the Moscow City Court in a new criminal case against Navalny on numerous charges, including the creation of an extremist organization, in Moscow, Russia, May 31, 2023. Moscow City Court/Handout via REUTERS/File photo

MELEKHOVO, Russia (Reuters) -The trial of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on new charges of "extremism" will take place behind closed doors, a court spokesman said on Monday.

The decision means media will be excluded from proceedings against President Vladimir Putin's most prominent and vocal opponent that could extend his prison term by decades.