Kirov, Russia -
A Russian court has released from custody opposition leader Alexei Navalny less than 24 hours after convicting him of embezzlement and sentencing him to five years in prison.
The release came after a surprise request by prosecutors, who said that because Navalny is a candidate in this fall's Moscow mayoral race keeping him in custody would deny him his right to seek election.
The release is to extend until appeals of his conviction are completed.
After the Friday decision, a smiling Navalny emerged from the caged-off defendants' section of the courtroom and thanked supporters who held protest rallies on Thursday after his conviction. - Sapa-AP