Alexei Navalny says he faces new criminal charges in Russia

(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has said he is facing new criminal accusations that could extend his current nine-year prison term.

Mr Navalny said on Instagram that an investigator visited him in prison to say the authorities had opened a new investigation against him on charges of “creating an extremist group to fan hatred against officials and oligarchs” and trying to stage unsanctioned rallies.