Urgent Action: CONCERNS ABOUT NAVALNY’S WHEREABOUTS (Russia 99.23)

Aleksei Navalny’s fate and whereabouts have been unknown since his lawyers last heard of him on December 5. On December 11, officials at the penal colony where he was serving an unjust 19-year jail sentence notified his lawyers that he was no longer officially listed in that penal colony. It is possible that he may be in transit to another prison colony, which can last weeks without any information provided to the prisoner’s relatives. Transfers nearly always put inmates’ health and well-being at risk as they are exposed to mistreatment and harassment. Aleksei Navalny has been constantly targeted for harsher treatment by prison administrations since his arbitrary arrest in January 2021. 

take action:

• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
• Click here to let us know the actions you took on Second Urgent Action 99.23. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

contact information:

sample letter:

Dear Director of the Federal Penitentiary Service, 

I am alarmed by reports that the prison authorities have refused to disclose Aleksei Navalny’s fate and whereabouts after he was last reported to be in custody in the IK-6 colony in Vladimir Oblast. I am also concerned by Aleksei Navalny’s unjust imprisonment. I understand that Russian authorities have refused to provide any information about the fate and whereabouts of Aleksei Navalny since his lawyers last heard of him on December 5. While there is a possibility that he may be in transit to another prison colony, the authorities have an obligation to promptly make available the information about prisoner transfers.

Aleksei Navalny’s conditions in prison amount to torture or other ill-treatment, and this situation only increases the risks he faces.

I urge you to immediately disclose Aleksei Navalny’s fate and whereabouts. I demand that he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment and that his treatment in any prison institution and while in transit complies with international law and standards. All those suspected of responsibility for Aleksei Navalny’s ill-treatment should immediately face appropriate disciplinary action.  

Yours sincerely, 

[YOUR NAME]

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