Moscow, Aug 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Prosecutors in Russia have brought extremism charges against a former policeman over calls to commit crimes against members of the ruling United Russia party.

The 26-year-old former policeman posted online texts between Aug 6 and Nov 3 last year calling for violence against United Russia members, prosecutors in the far eastern Khabarovsk region said.

The man, whose name was not given, faces up to three years in jail if convicted.

Allegations of widespread fraud in favour of United Russia during last year's parliamentary elections triggered the biggest anti-government protests in Russia in decades.

The party has also been behind a number of recent controversial laws, including legislation which sharply increases fines for protest-related offences.

It was headed by President Vladimir Putin until April, when he gave the leadership over to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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