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Opposition candidate Navalny to enjoy immunity pending court verdict

MOSCOW, July 17 (Itar-Tass) - The registration of opposition leader Alexei Navalny as an official candidate for the post of Moscow mayor will give him immunity until the court verdict enters into force, city election commission chairman Valentin Gorbunov said.

Even if the court gives Navalny a prison term, he, as a candidate, will have certain advantages in terms of administrative and criminal prosecution. Such sanctions may be imposed only by the Moscow prosecutor.

Andrei Buzin, a non-voting member of the election commission, said Navalny’s election campaign may be subject to restrictions only if he is put in custody.

Navalny will have time to file an appeal and if court proceedings drag on until September 3, he will be able to take part on the upcoming mayoral election slated for September 8.

A candidate may be removed from the election race no later than 5 days before the election.