Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands to hear his verdict in a Kirov court.

The judge announces that he has been found guilty on charges of theft, and will serve five years in jail.

Navalny's defence had argued that the case was politically motivated, but the judge refuted these claims.

The court convicted him of organising a scheme to steal at least 16 million roubles - around half a million U.S. dollars - from a local timber firm.

Navalny is a leading opposition figure in Russia and has led the biggest protests against President Vladimir Putin since he took power in 2000.

Many in the opposition say the trial was part of a Kremlin clampdown on dissent.