Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny found in remote prison colony weeks after last contact
USA TodayDec 30, 2023
Putin Critic Alexei Navalny Located at Siberian Penal Colony
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Image copyright:Â Evgeny Feldman [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Russia's opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been located at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, Siberia, after weeks spent missing. His spokesperson Kira Yarmysh claimed on Tuesday that his team had filed 680 requests before learning of his whereabouts.
In an open letter — posted on the X social media platform after one of his lawyers visited him in Russia's Arctic on Monday — the jailed Kremlin foe detailed his 20-day transfer to the high-security prison colony and sought to reassure supporters that he is safe and well.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
While it is a great relief to finally know that Alexei Navalny is still alive, the international community must exert further pressure on Russia to demand his immediate release. The Kremlin has unjustifiably targeted him and more than 600 other political prisoners in an escalating crackdown on independent voices that includes human rights violations such as this transfer.
Pro-Russia narrative
The US and its allies should refrain from meddling in Russian domestic affairs, particularly with regard to a convicted terrorist and extremist such as the blogger Alexei Navalny, who is serving his due sentence in accordance the the law. Any external interference is inadmissible and unacceptable, as it would violate Russia's sovereignty.
