navalny appeals to younger middle-class muscovites.utin still has a lot of support among older working-class people outside the big cities. that is an important distinction to bear in mind. >>it was interesting to watch putin's press conference at the end of the year. the context this year was different from last year. he said he would release the jailed tycoon in a personal pardon, which he did. he said members of pussy riot would be free. that was seen as a concession to western opinion. now the olympic games are over. putin use those games to burnish his image. events in crimea has served his popularity greatly. his popularity soared to well above 80% earlier this year. the crimea factor is important when you look at the demoralized state of couldn't -- putins opponents today. that was reflected in a tough tone of the press conference when putin slammed nato and those western sanctions against russia. >> thank you so much for that. at least 10 people have died in the ferry fire. it is unclear how many people were on board at the tim

alexei navalny says he is innocent and local media say he will appeal. navalny and his brother oleg were charged with embezzlement. police say they took about $500,000 from two firms between 2008 and 2012. a court in moscow gave alexei a suspended sentence of 3 1/2 years. but he will not go to prison. oleg received a 3 1/2 year jail sentence, and they have each been fined about $8300. hundreds of supporters responded to navalny's call and rallied at a square near the kremlin. police arrested about 100 protesters. local media reports navalny tried to join the rally but he was detained and sent home. government officials in washington condemned the ruling. >> this appears to be another example of the russian government's growing crackdown on independent voices. >> rathke says the u.s. is also concerned about russia's increasing restrictions on independent media, civil society, and minority groups. >>> officials in jordan are seeing fewer people from outside their borders coming to visit. their tourism efforts are being hampered by the political situations i