Russia court fines mayor who wanted to be president

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

MOSCOW, Sep 4 (Reuters) A Russian court today effectively destroyed the presidential ambitions of a northern city mayor by handing him a suspended jail sentence for faking documents and illegal business activity, news agencies reported.

Alexander Donskoi, the mayor of Arkhangelsk, rose to national prominence last year when he said he would run as an independent in next March's presidential election when Russia votes to replace the hugely popular President Vladimir Putin after the end of his second four-year term.

Analysts say whoever Putin names as his preferred candidate is virtually assured victory and Donskoi was not considered a serious challenge.

Donskoi remained in custody today despite the suspended sentence because a third charge of illegal use of public money to pay for bodyguards has not yet been heard.

''The region's prosecutor is insisting on a combined fine of 145,000 roubles and the banning of holding certain public positions in local governments and election related activities for five years,'' the press service of the Arkhangelsk regional court told Interfax.

Donskoi has always denied the accusations. Police raided the his home in July and dragged him out in front of photographers wearing underwear and a white vest.

REUTERS RS KP0025

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