Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Reported Missing in Penal Colony
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has been serving a lengthy prison sentence in a penal colony, has gone missing, according to his lawyers. They have been unable to contact him, and prison authorities have provided no information about his whereabouts.
Navalny, a long-time critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had been incarcerated in a penal colony located almost 120 miles east of Moscow. However, he can no longer be found at either of the two colonies. When Navalny’s lawyers pressed authorities for information, they were refused and given no details about whether Navalny had been moved or where he might be located.
Last month, Navalny fell ill and had to receive treatment on an IV drip, raising concerns about his health and safety. While his lawyers were able to speak to him during his illness, they have had no contact with him for the past six days.
Denial of Access and Unanswered Letters
In addition to his disappearance, Navalny’s lawyers have faced obstacles in visiting and communicating with him. They were denied entry to the maximum security IK-6 penal colony last week and their requests to see him went unanswered. Navalny also missed scheduled video court hearings, further raising concerns about his wellbeing.
Navalny is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence, in addition to an 11-year sentence related to extremism charges. It was recently announced that he would be transferred to a “special security” prison.
Political Motivation and Kremlin Silence
Supporters of Navalny believe that the charges against him are politically motivated due to his opposition to President Putin. Navalny’s criticism of the Kremlin leader, who has been in power for two decades, has made him a prominent figure in the Russian political landscape. Putin has long faced allegations of ordering the assassination of his critics and opponents.
As of now, the Kremlin has not provided any official comment or response regarding Navalny’s disappearance.
