In his last court hearing on Thursday, Alexei Navalny looked frail. Appearing via video link, close-shaven and face gaunt, his deteriorating appearance reflected years in jail that were plagued by allegations of systematic abuse.
But his mind was defiant. Infused with a heavy touch of irony and humour, a distinctive hallmark of the opposition leader, Navalny joked with journalists and scolded the authorities.
