Russian prosecutors have demanded a 20-year sentence for jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny on charges including creating an extremist community.

Navalny's supporters, as well as Russian media, say the prosecution made the demand on Thursday.

Navalny has pleaded not guilty, saying the charges were politically motivated.

His supporters say the ruling will be announced on August 4.

The vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin was arrested in 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for suspected poisoning.

He was later sentenced to nine years for fraud and contempt of court.

Navalny has been voicing criticism against Putin from jail. He has repeatedly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Observers say the Kremlin is apparently nervous about his influence.