Alexei Navalny made his first public appearance since going on a weekslong hunger strike.
Navalny: 'Naked King' in Decades of 'Incompetent Rule'
In a statement during the court appearance Navalny said "I would like to say that your king is naked and more than one little boy is shouting about it."
The opposition leader added that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had "20 years of incompetent rule he still wants to pursue until the end."
Aside from once again expressing his thoughts about the Putin administration Navalny also called prosecutors "traitors." The Kremlin critic said prosecutors implemented Putin's plan of turning Russians "into slaves."
Finally, Navalny told Judge Kurysheva Natalia to stop interrupting him while he was giving his statement.
The judge decided to uphold a conviction of defamation against Navalny, while a separate court in Moscow discussed a petition by pro-Kremlin prosecutors to ban all of Navalny's organizations.
Navalny's Organizations Tagged as 'Extremist'
Over the past few days, Navalny's organizations have been struggling to stay afloat, with around three dozen opting to disband to protect its members.
Leonid Volkov, who is Navalny's right-hand man in the organizations, said the disbandment should hopefully prevent both supporters and staff from being dragged in by the prosecution.
Volkov told the BBC "there is no way we can continue to operate in the country." Volkov has been out of Russia for about two years. He might be prosecuted if he returns.
A court ruling on Navalny's organization accused of being an extremist group is still pending. However, the Russian government already ordered the foundation to shut down.
Navalny's organization has showcased the alleged corruption surrounding Putin over the past years. Among the most infamous revelations were gold-plated toilet brushes within the alleged vast estate that Putin's supporters constructed for him.
Navalny's Health Still in Question
Following Navalny's first court appearance since he launched a hunger strike in March 31, health experts continue to raise concerns about the Kremlin critic's health.
Last week, the country's state penitentiary service (FSIN) confirmed that Navalny has been transferred to a prison hospital. At that time, the FSIN said his health was "satisfactory."
However, Navalny said Thursday he now weighs 72 kilograms since he started his hunger strike.
Since his transfer to a prison hospital, Navalny's doctors called on the government to allow them access to their patient.
The U.S. and other European nations have urged the Putin administration to provide Navalny with the necessary treatment that he needs. White House National Security adviser Jake Sullivan also warned of "consequences if Navalny dies" in custody.
Earlier this month, Russia said it had offered Navalny appropriate medical care but he refused. Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent last year. He accused the Kremlin of ordering the attack, to which the government denied.
