Kremlin critic accused of plotting coup

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MOSCOW, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A Russian opposition leader said he was called to court to answer charges he was trying to launch a violent overthrow of the government.

Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition Left Front movement, told state-run news agency RIA Novosti that he'd been summoned by investigators looking into a low-quality video that allegedly shows him discussing revolutionary ambitions with political leaders from Georgia.

"It's not a criminal case yet. They are carrying out inquires," he said. "But I have nothing to hide."

He added the footage was a forgery, saying it's part of a "wave of repression" launched by the Kremlin.

Arrested on several occasions for his opposition activity, Udaltsov told the Russian bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in September there should be early elections to unseat President Vladimir Putin. State Duma elections in December and presidential elections in March, he said, were illegitimate.

Putin's re-election this spring to a third non-consecutive term sparked widespread unrest in Russia. More than 600 people were arrested after demonstrators clashed with Moscow police during May 6 demonstrations.