The United Russia member Vladimir Svirid plans to file 10,000 lawsuits against opposition leader Aleksey Navalny in order to "calm him down".

      In June 2012, Svirid already won a case against Navalny and made the opposition activist to pay the fine of 30,000 rubles (about $950) as compensation for “moral damage”. The "damage" was the phrase "United Russia is a party of crooks and thieves” introduced by Navalny in his blog, which become very popular among opposition activists to describe the party.

      Svirid now aims to receive power of attorney from 10,000 members of United Russia to bring Navalny to court for offending their honor and dignity. The lawsuits are expected to distract Navalny, who was recently elected as the head of the opposition’s Coordination Council, and his lawyers from political life and to focus on legal proceedings.

      The United Russia's politician also hopes to receive one million rubles (about $32,000) for each United Russia member he will represent in court. But he adds he also will be pleased with 30,000 rubles for each claimant – 300 million rubles (over $9.5 million) in total.

      Navalny was apparently undeterred by the news. “For a millionth time, United Russia members threaten with a million lawsuits. I’m sick of that,” he wrote on Twitter.