Jailed Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has been located in the Polar Wolf colony, described as one of Russia's most severe prisons, north of the Arctic Circle, according to his spokeswoman. The United States responded to this development on Monday, expressing relief that Navalny had been located but maintaining deep concern for his well-being. The U.S. State Department called for Navalny's immediate release, emphasizing that Russia is responsible for his conditions in custody. Navalny's allies, anticipating his transfer to a high-security "special regime" colony, had raised concerns about his fate, noting that he hadn't been seen by his lawyers since December 6.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department stated, "We have conveyed to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Navalny in their custody." The State Department accused Russia of suppressing independent voices, a charge the country denies.
Navalny, aged 47, was located in the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, Yamal-Nenets region, situated approximately 1,900 km northeast of Moscow. Known as "the Polar Wolf" colony, it is renowned for its harsh conditions. Navalny, deemed a convicted criminal by Russia, denies all charges and criticizes the country's judicial system as deeply corrupt. While his supporters envision him as a future leader of Russia, Russian authorities label him an extremist with alleged CIA ties, accusing him of attempting to destabilize the country.
