Moscow police arrest allies of opposition leader Navalny

Police officers in Moscow on Wednesday launched a series of raids on apartments and offices linked to jailed Russian opposition leer Alexei Navalny's family and associates, arresting his bror Oleg.

Locations searched included Navalny's apartment, where his bror Oleg was arrested, and a rented apartment where Navalny's wife Yulia h been living.

Yulia Navalnaya's lawyer Veronika Polyakova told journalists that police did t allow her to attend raids, which she said violated Navalnaya's rights of defence.

Or locations raided by police included offices of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation and studio which produces his videos and online brocasts.

Police also searched apartment of He of Alliance of Doctors Union Anastasia Vasilyeva, who was filmed playing pia as officers filled her home.

Police have t commented on searches, but Navalny's associates said on social media that y were connected to alleged violations of epidemiological regulations from last week's mass protest in Moscow.

However, Navalny's team have claimed that "Putin's crazy fear" is behind raids.

searches came ahe of planned protests by Navalny's supporters on Sunday.

Demonstrations calling for his release took place in more than 100 cities across Russia last Saturday, with nearly 4,000 people reported arrested during protests.

(Im Credit: AP)