Russian dissident ex-mayor handed 14-day sentence

MOSCOW (AP) — A former mayor of Russia’s fourth-largest city has been handed a 14-day jail sentence pending his trial that could entail a longer prison term, part of authorities’ efforts to muzzle dissent. Yevgeny Roizman is a sharp critic of the Kremlin and one of the most visible and charismatic opposition figures in Russia. He enjoyed broad popularity while serving as mayor of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains. Roizman was accused last year of discrediting the Russian military and was barred from attending public events, using the internet, telephone or mail and communicating with anyone other than his lawyers and close family. He was handed a 14-day sentence Thursday on charges of reposting material related to a banned opposition group.