Russia has seen one of its largest anti-government demonstrations in years after a leading opponent of President Vladimir Putin was convicted of fraud. Alexei Navalny, a prominent blogger and lawyer, was given a suspended sentence, while his brother was sentenced to prison on what his supporters say are trumped-up charges. After his sentencing, Alexei Navalny broke house arrest to attend an anti-government rally, where he was detained and returned to his home. As many as 250 others were arrested. Earlier today 18 protesters, including members of the feminist punk group Pussy Riot, were detained after spending the night near Moscow’s Red Square. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke condemned the sentencing of the Navalny brothers.

Jeff Rathke: “We are troubled by the guilty verdict handed down in the latest action against Alexei and Oleg Navalny. The decision is a disturbing development, in our view, and it appears to be designed to further punish and deter political activism. This appears to be another example of the Russian government’s growing crackdown on independent voices.”