Russian court detains dissident ex-mayor for 14 days pending trial

Yevgeny Roizman, former mayor of Russia’s fourth-largest city, stands prior to a court session in a courtroom in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Thursday, March 16, 2023. Roizman has been detained on charges that could land him behind bars as 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. (AP Photo/Vladimir Podoksyonov)

A former mayor of Russia’s fourth-largest city has been ordered to spend 14 days in custody pending his trial on charges that could entail a longer prison term, part of authorities’ efforts to muzzle dissent.

Yevgeny Roizman, a critic of the Kremlin, is one of the most visible and charismatic opposition figures in Russia.