Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny has been located in a Siberian penal colony, according to an announcement made by his team.
The discovery follows an extensive search that lasted several weeks.
"Alexei Navalny has been found," declared Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson, as reported by the BBC. She further revealed that Navalny's legal representative was granted an opportunity to meet with him.
Yarmysh shared this development via Telegram, specifying that Navalny, aged 47, had been transferred to the IK-3 penal colony, colloquially known as "Polar Wolf," situated in Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets district of Northern Russia.
Prior to this, Navalny was detained at a facility approximately 145 miles east of Moscow. His team lost contact with him on December 5 after he failed to appear for a court hearing via video link, which initiated the urgent search.
Yarmysh previously stated that prison officials attributed his absence to electrical issues, and lawyers had been unable to meet with Navalny for almost a week. Eventually, officials conceded to the lawyer that Navalny was no longer at the facility but declined to disclose his whereabouts.
Navalny has emerged as a significant adversary to Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years, culminating in an assassination attempt in 2020 where Navalny was poisoned with a suspected Novichok nerve agent. He was in a coma for several weeks while German doctors battled to save his life.
Upon his return to Russia in 2021, Navalny was promptly arrested and subsequently sentenced to 19 years in prison on charges of extremism. His team has consistently expressed concerns about his treatment post-return.
Ivan Zhadov, an aide to Navalny and head of his anti-corruption foundation, lambasted the Russian government for incarcerating Navalny in the "most remote colonies" to "isolate and suppress" him, as reported by The New York Times.
Zhadov stated, "Alekseis situation is a clear example of how the system treats political prisoners." He added that despite Navalny's conversation with his lawyer, officials attempted to postpone the meeting.
Zhadov also alleged that the decision to relocate Navalny to IK-3 was likely made months in advance.
"Thanks to those who continue to write and spread information about Alexei and other political prisoners, we continue the fight," Zhadov wrote. "Thank you. Freedom for Navalny."
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