Navalny tells the European Court of Human Rights that his arrests at demonstrations were politically motivated

Alexey Navalny addressed the European Court of Human Rights on Wednesday, arguing that his detentions by Russian police at rallies between 2012 and 2014 were politically motivated.

The ECHR has already ruled once on these detentions, a year ago awarding Navalny €63,000 ($78,000) in compensation for violations of his personal freedom and security and his right to free assembly. Last February, however, the ECHR did not consider allegations that Russian police had persecuted Navalny politically.

The opposition politician told the court that Russian officials only issue demonstration permits in remote areas. “This Sunday, they’ve literally told us to protest in the woods, in Sokolniki Park,” he said.

On January 28, Navalny plans to stage nationwide demonstrations to promote a voters’ boycott against Russia’s March presidential election. Navalny spent a year campaigning vigorously to compete in the election, but federal officials disqualified him, citing a controversial felony conviction.

In Moscow, Navalny’s supporters want to hold their January 28 rally at Tverskaya Street, in the center of the city, though Moscow officials have refused to issue a demonstration permit at that location.