The United States expressed relief on Monday after receiving reports that imprisoned Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny had been located, but it continued to express grave concerns about his well-being.
The U.S. State Department, in a statement, urged for his immediate release and condemned Russia for suppressing independent voices within its borders.
Navalny had been missing for over two weeks, causing alarm among his supporters who feared for his safety. It was revealed that he had been transferred to a penal colony situated north of the Arctic Circle, a remote and harsh location.
This move had been anticipated, as his allies had been preparing for his relocation to a “special regime” prison, the most severe category in Russia’s prison system.
Furthermore, concerns arose when his legal team last saw him on December 6, raising questions about his treatment and fate.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department issued a statement, saying, “We welcome reports that Mr. Navalny has been located.
However, we remain deeply concerned for Mr. Navalny’s well-being and the conditions of his unjust detention.
We have conveyed to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody.”
The State Department’s statement went on to accuse Russia of suppressing independent voices and called for Navalny’s immediate release.
Russia has consistently denied allegations of such a crackdown on opposition figures.
Alexei Navalny, aged 47, was ultimately located in the IK-3 penal colony, located in Kharp within the Yamal-Nenets region, approximately 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.
This particular facility, colloquially known as the “Polar Wolf” colony, is notorious for its harsh conditions and strict regime.
Russian authorities have portrayed Navalny as a convicted criminal, while he vehemently denies all charges against him, criticizing Russia’s judicial system as deeply corrupt.
Navalny’s supporters regard him as a potential future leader of Russia, but Russian authorities label him and his followers as extremists with alleged links to the CIA, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the country.
The ongoing international concern for Navalny’s well-being and rights continues to be a contentious issue between Russia and the global community.