Kremlin denies tracking political prisoner Navalny's whereabouts
The Kremlin has denied any knowledge or involvement in the disappearance of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who vanished from Colony No. 6 in Melekhov earlier this month.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday: "The Kremlin has neither the intention nor the capacity to monitor the fate of prisoners." This statement, reported by Interfax and subsequently by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, comes amidst rising international scrutiny and concern for Navalny's well-being.
Navalny's colleagues first reported losing contact with him in early December. His absence from subsequent court hearings and confirmation by officials from Colony No. 6 that he is no longer listed as an inmate have further intensified the situation.
Currently serving a sentence for fraud charges he denies in the Vladimir region, Navalny has been subjected to harsh treatment within the penal system. In September 2023, he was deemed "incorrigible" and transferred to a single-cell room for one year, a punishment he described as "the most severe possible." Additionally, he has faced numerous disciplinary actions, including over 20 transfers to a punishment cell for minor infractions.
Recognized by numerous human rights groups as a political prisoner, Navalny's disappearance has drawn significant international attention. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price recently expressed concern on the matter, while the Kremlin characterised any "U.S. interference" in this case as "unacceptable and impossible."
With Navalny's location still unknown, the international community continues to demand transparency from the Russian authorities. The lack of information and ongoing denials from the Kremlin are likely to further fuel concerns and scrutiny over Navalny's fate.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
