Global Protests Erupt on Navalny's Birthday in Show of Support for Russian Opposition Leader

Supporters of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny held pickets and demonstrations to mark his 47th birthday, while some painted graffiti and were quickly detained by police. Navalny is serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court, charges he says were trumped up to punish him for his work to expose official corruption and organizing anti-Kremlin protests. He is facing a new trial on extremism charges that could keep him in prison for decades. Navalny thanked his supporters and voiced hope for a better future in Russia.