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Russian activist formally charged with causing 2012 riot

Tens of thousands demonstrators rally against the third term of President Vladimir Putin and also laws aimed to curb protests in Moscow, Russia on June 12, 2012. UPI
Tens of thousands demonstrators rally against the third term of President Vladimir Putin and also laws aimed to curb protests in Moscow, Russia on June 12, 2012. UPI | License Photo

MOSCOW, June 19 (UPI) -- Formal charges of plotting mass riots in Moscow last year have been filed against Russian activist Leonid Razvozzhayev, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Razvozzhayev faces a possible 10 years in jail if convicted of planning the May 6, 2012, disturbance in Bolotnaya Square on the eve of Vladimir Putin's inauguration to a third presidential term, the official Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.

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Twelve protesters are standing trial in the incident with dozens more prosecutions expected.

In addition to the riot charges, the Left Front movement activist has been accused of illegally crossing the Russian border with Ukraine to evade prosecution.

Razvozzhayev made international headlines last October when he said he was abducted by Russian security forces in Kiev and tortured until he confessed. He later retracted his confession.

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