Russia expels Western diplomats over Navalny rally

In this photo provided by the Babuskinsky District Court, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands in a cage during a hearing on his charges for defamation, in the Babuskinsky District Court in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Picture: Babuskinsky District Court Press Service via AP

Russia’s Foreign Ministry says it is expelling diplomats from Sweden, Poland and Germany for attending a rally in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The diplomats were being declared “persona non grata” after they allegedly took part in “unlawful” rallies in support of Mr Navalny on January 23, the ministry said.