Putin critic sentenced to 30 days over unsanctioned protest

A Russian court ruled that one of the country’s opposition leaders should spend 30 days in jail for leading unsanctioned demonstrations, The Associated Press reported on Monday.

Alexei Navalny, an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, lead the effort for the anti-corruption rallies that took place across the country on Monday. 

{mosads}Hundreds of protesters were detained at the rallies, while Navalny was arrested outside his residence, AP reported.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday condemned the arrests of protesters during his press briefing.

“I think the United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protestors throughout Russia that happened on June 12th,” Spicer told reporters.

“Detaining peaceful protestors, human rights observers and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. The United States will monitor the situation and we will call on the government of Russia to immediately release all peaceful protestors.”