Russian court rejects opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s appeal against his arrest

MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian court has rejected an appeal by opposition leader Alexei Navalny for his release from jail for allegedly violating the terms of his probation while he was recuperating in Germany from a nerve-agent poisoning. Appearing in court by video link from jail, Navalny alleged that criminal proceedings against him are part of government efforts to intimidate the opposition. Authorities detained several of his allies and warned social media companies about promoting more pro-Navalny demonstrations after tens of thousands rallied across the country last weekend demanding his freedom. His supporters are organizing more rallies for Sunday. The 44-year-old anti-corruption investigator is the most well-known critic of President Vladimir Putin’s government.