Russia expels diplomats from three EU countries over Navalny protests

Russia has expelled diplomats from Germany, Sweden and Poland for attending last month’s protests in support of jailed opposition figure, Alexei Navalny. In a statement, the foreign ministry said Moscow considers the actions of the diplomats unacceptable. The German Chancellor has condemned the decision as unjustified and called it a further step away from the rule of law in Russia. Sweden and Poland also reacted to the measure, with Poland warning that Moscow's expulsion of a Polish diplomat would deepen the crisis in bilateral ties. The move by the Kremlin comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Europe over Navalny's alleged poisoning and his recent imprisonment. He was arrested last month after returning from Germany, where he had been receiving treatment. His arrest then triggered unauthorized street protests in a number of cities.