Imprisoned Russian politician Navalny is now in a penal colony near the Arctic Circle

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Imprisoned Russian political figure Alexei Navalny, a prominent opponent of President Vladimir Putin, has been located in a penal colony situated above the Arctic Circle, according to his associates. This discovery comes nearly three weeks after any contact with Navalny was lost.

Navalny, known for his opposition to Putin’s regime, is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism. Initially held in the Vladimir region of central Russia, approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) east of Moscow, he had become unreachable by his legal team since December 6.

His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, has confirmed that Navalny is now located in a prison colony in the town of Kharp, situated in the Yamalo-Nenets region, which is approximately 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. According to Yarmysh, Navalny is in relatively stable condition, considering the circumstances, and has had a lawyer visit him.

It is worth noting that the region where Navalny is now imprisoned is infamous for its harsh and prolonged winters. Kharp is roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) away from Vorkuta, known for its coal mines and being part of the harsh Soviet Gulag prison-camp system.

This relocation to a remote penal colony has significantly isolated Navalny from the outside world. The difficulties in accessing the colony and communicating with those inside have raised concerns among Navalny’s supporters, especially as he had previously reported health issues and alleged food deprivation while being held in an inadequately ventilated cell.

The timing of this transfer has raised suspicions, with Navalny’s team linking it to the upcoming Russian presidential election in March. Although Putin’s reelection appears almost certain due to his extensive control over Russia’s political landscape and a crackdown on dissent, Navalny’s supporters and other critics view the election as an opportunity to diminish public support for Putin and his actions in Ukraine.

Kira Yarmysh believes that this particular relocation was a deliberate attempt to maximize Navalny’s isolation and prevent him from communicating with the outside world. She asserts that despite being incarcerated, Navalny remains one of Putin’s primary opponents, which prompted this transfer to hinder his influence during the election campaign.

Alexei Navalny has been in Russian custody since January 2021 when he returned to Moscow after recovering in Germany from nerve agent poisoning, which he attributed to the Kremlin. Prior to his arrest, he was known for his anti-corruption efforts and organizing significant protests against the Kremlin. Despite facing multiple prison sentences and extended periods of isolation, Navalny has consistently maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Navalny’s Arctic Prison Location

More about Navalny’s Arctic Prison Location

• Alexei Navalny’s Official Website
• The Big Big News Article on Navalny’s Location
• UN Expert Concerns about Navalny’s Disappearance
• Background on Navalny’s Life and Activism
• Russian Presidential Election Information