Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader found, says team
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is alive and being held in a penal colony in Siberia, according to his spokeswoman.
Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, has been found and is being held in a penal colony in Siberia, according to his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh.
Yarmysh announced the news on Twitter on Monday, December 25, 2023, saying, “We found Alexei Navalny.” She added that he was now in IK-17, a strict regime penal colony in the Krasnoyarsk region of northern Russia.
Navalny’s whereabouts had been unknown for two weeks after he was removed from the IK-6 penal colony near Vladimir, east of Moscow, where he had been held since mid-2021. His team had been unable to locate him at other prisons or hospitals, and there were concerns for his safety.
Yarmysh said that Navalny’s lawyers had been able to visit him at IK-17 and that he was “in good spirits.” However, she expressed concern about the conditions at the new prison, which is known for its harsh regime.
Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested in January 2021 upon returning to Russia from Germany, where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. He was subsequently sentenced to two and a half years in prison for embezzlement charges that he says are politically motivated.
In August 2023, Navalny was sentenced to an additional nine years in prison for allegedly running an extremist organization. His supporters say that the charges are bogus and that he is being persecuted for his political activities.
Navalny’s imprisonment has drawn international condemnation, with Western governments calling for his release. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian officials over the poisoning and imprisonment of Navalny.
It is not yet clear why Navalny was transferred to IK-17. Some observers speculate that it may be an attempt to isolate him from his supporters or to subject him to harsher conditions.
Navalny’s team has vowed to continue fighting for his release. Yarmysh said on Twitter, “We will do everything we can to ensure his safety and secure his release.”
The news of Navalny’s location is a welcome development, but it is important to remember that he remains in prison and that his health is a matter of concern. His supporters will continue to press for his release and for an end to his political persecution.
Who is Alexei Navalny?
Alexei Navalny is a Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist. He is known for his investigations into corruption by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies. Navalny has been arrested and imprisoned multiple times for his activism.
Why was Navalny arrested?
Navalny was arrested in January 2021 upon returning to Russia from Germany, where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. He was subsequently sentenced to two and a half years in prison for embezzlement charges that he says are politically motivated.
What is IK-17?
IK-17 is a strict regime penal colony in the Krasnoyarsk region of northern Russia. It is known for its harsh conditions, including overcrowding, torture, and inadequate medical care.
Why was Navalny transferred to IK-17?
It is not yet clear why Navalny was transferred to IK-17. Some observers speculate that it may be an attempt to isolate him from his supporters or to subject him to harsher conditions.
What is the international reaction to Navalny’s imprisonment?
Navalny’s imprisonment has drawn international condemnation, with Western governments calling for his release. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian officials over the poisoning and imprisonment of Navalny.
What can be done to help Navalny?
There are a number of things that people can do to help Navalny. These include:
Contacting their elected officials and urging them to call for Navalny’s release.
Donating to organizations that are working to support Navalny and other political prisoners in Russia.
Raising awareness of Navalny’s case on social media and other platforms.
Read more : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67820068
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