In a recent communication delivered through his legal team, Alexei Navalny, the prominent Russian opposition figure currently under incarceration, has relayed details about his confinement in a remote penal colony situated above the Arctic Circle. Navalny, who undertook an exhausting 20-day transfer to the facility, maintained a positive outlook, likening himself humorously to Father Frost due to the frigid environment of his new location.
After a period of over two weeks during which Navalny’s whereabouts were unknown to his associates, sparking concern among international observers, his spokesperson revealed on Monday that he had been located at the IK-3 penal colony in the town of Kharp, within the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, some 1,900 kilometers northeast of Moscow.
Navalny took a light-hearted approach in his initial message from the colony, known colloquially as “the Polar Wolf,” commenting on his acquisition of traditional Russian winter attire, including a sheepskin coat and an ushanka hat, with valenki boots expected soon. Despite the rigors of his journey, he expressed enduring high spirits, befitting the jolly character of Father Frost.
The “Polar Wolf” colony, where Navalny is now housed, is notorious for its stringent regime and is populated predominantly by inmates convicted of serious offenses. The upcoming week at the colony is forecasted to see temperatures plummet to around minus 28 degrees Celsius.
The facility, which sits approximately 60 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, has its origins dating back to the 1960s as part of the extensive GULAG network of labor camps, as reported by the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper.
Navalny, extending gratitude to his supporters for their concern during his transfer, described a brief exploration of the prison’s exercise area—an adjacent cell blanketed with snow—and noted the presence of armed guards and watchful dogs. From his cell, his view is limited to the perimeter fence.
Concluding his update, Navalny assured his followers of his well-being and expressed contentment at reaching his destination, despite the austere conditions.
This account was compiled by journalists Andrew Osborn and Olzhas Auyezov, with editorial oversight provided by Angus MacSwan.
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has confirmed his arrival at a remote prison above the Arctic Circle after a 20-day journey. Despite the challenging conditions and the long transit, Navalny stated he is in excellent spirits. He has been located at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, in the Yamal-Nenets region, which is known as one of Russia’s toughest prisons with a history dating back to the GULAG system. Navalny humorously referred to himself as “Father Frost” due to the harsh winter environment and noted that he has appropriate winter clothing. He thanked his supporters for their concern and reassured them of his well-being, despite the prison’s severe temperatures and security measures, including guards with machine guns and guard dogs.
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