Leonid Razvozzhayev, Russian activist, faces new criminal case

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MOSCOW, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Investigators opened a new criminal case against Russian opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev Friday while denying reports of his disappearance.

Investigators said Razvozzhayev spread misinformation by alleging he was tortured into confessing his role in organizing a demonstration in Kiev in October, RIA Novosti reported.

Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said the allegations later were found to be baseless.

Officials at the prison in Irkutsk where Razvozzhayev was being held denied media reports that the activist disappeared while being transferred from the Irkutsk facility to a detention center in Angarsk.The officials said there are no plans to transfer him to Angarsk.

Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov, citing Razvozzhayev's relatives, said on his Twitter page Friday the activist "disappeared" en route from Irkutsk to Angarsk.

Razvozzhayev is being held in an investigation into allegations he stole 500 fur hats and video cameras in Angarsk in 1997.

The activist's attorney said authorities closed that case and Razvozzhayev has asked to be transferred to Moscow. The attorney also said Razvozzhayev has expressed concern about his deteriorating health.

Razvozzhayev is one of several opposition leaders charged with inciting mass disorder after a huge opposition rally in Moscow in May that ended in clashes between police and protesters.