1 of 2 File photo shows Alexei Navalny during the protests on February 29, 2020 Photo: Pavel Golovkin/AP File photo shows Alexei Navalny during the protests on February 29, 2020 Photo: Pavel Golovkin/AP
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny confirmed on social media on Tuesday (26) that he had been transferred to the prison known as the “Arctic Wolf” above the Arctic Circle.
“I am your new Santa Claus,” Navalny jokingly wrote in his first post from his new prison, referring to the harsh weather conditions there.
Despite the strenuous 20day journey, he is still healthy and in good spirits, according to his statement.
“The 20 days of the transfer were quite stressful, but I'm still in high spirits, as befits Santa Claus.”
“Well, now I have a sheepskin coat, an ushanka hat (a fur hat with flaps that cover the ears) and soon I will buy valenki (traditional Russian footwear worn in winter).
2 of 2 men walk next to the entrance gate to the “Polar Wolf” prison in the Arctic Photo: Human Rights Commissioner of the YamalNenets Autonomous Okrug/AP Men walk next to the entrance gate to the “Polar Wolf” prison in the Arctic Photo: Ombudsman for Human Rights of the YamalNenets Autonomous District/AP
The new complex where Navalny will be based is known as the “Arctic Wolf” colony It is considered one of the most difficult prisons in the world. Russia. Most of the prisoners who remained there were convicted of serious crimes.
In winter temperatures in the area can reach up to 28°C.
The prison, located about 60 km north of the Arctic Circle, was founded in the 1960s as part of the former GULAG system of Soviet forced labor camps, according to the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper.
Kira Yarmysh, a spokeswoman for the Russian politician, said she believed the decision to move him to such a remote and inhospitable location was aimed at isolating him, making his life more difficult and denying access to his lawyers and allies complicate.
Navalny has been detained in Russia since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recovering in Germany from a poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Before he was arrested, he fought against corruption and organized large protests against the Kremlin.