WASHINGTON, Aug 4, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - The United States on Friday condemned Russia for handing jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny 19 years behind bars on extremism charges, calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial."

"The United States condemns a Russian court's further sentencing and conviction of opposition politician and anti-corruption campaigner Aleksey Navalny," the US State Department said in a statement.

"For years, the Kremlin has attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people."