**Russian Court Sentences Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny to Nine Years in Prison**
A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced opposition leader Alexey Navalny to nine years in prison, in a move that is likely to further escalate tensions between Russia and the West.
Navalny, 45, was found guilty of embezzlement and contempt of court. The embezzlement charges stem from allegations that he stole money from donations to his anti-corruption foundation. The contempt of court charges stem from his alleged violations of the terms of his probation from a previous conviction.
Navalny has denied all charges, and his supporters say that the trial was politically motivated. The Russian government has denied that the trial was politically motivated, and has said that Navalny is a criminal who should be punished for his crimes.
The sentencing of Navalny has been widely condemned by Western governments and human rights groups. The United States has called the sentence .
