Missing Russian leader Alexei Navalny incarnates in Arctic jail, says 'I'm your new Santa'

New Delhi: In a remote Arctic prison, the incarcerated Russian leader, Alexei Navalny, confirmed his whereabouts after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer from a Vladimir region prison, as reported by Al Jazeera. This revelation follows weeks of speculation and concern regarding his mysterious disappearance.

2/9 Unfortunately, there are no reindeer, but there are huge fluffy, and very beautiful shepherd dogs.

And the most important thing: I now live above the Arctic Circle. In the village of Kharp on Yamal. The nearest town has the beautiful name of Labytnangi.

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) December 26, 2023

Social media post sparks interest

Navalny, through his allies' updates on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shared his current status, stating, "I am your new Santa Claus." The announcement came after his lawyers expressed losing contact with him for over two weeks, raising alarms among his supporters.

4/9 They brought me here on Saturday night. And I was transported with such precaution and on such a strange route (Vladimir - Moscow - Chelyabinsk - Ekaterinburg - Kirov - Vorkuta - Kharp) that I didn't expect anyone to find me here before mid-January.

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) December 26, 2023

Where is Navalny?

After an extensive search, Navalny's team confirmed his presence at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, Yamal-Nenets region, situated above the Arctic Circle, approximately 1,900 km northeast of Moscow. The Kremlin critic's undisclosed location since December 6 had triggered widespread concern globally.

6/9 I can't entertain you with stories about polar exotics yet because I haven't seen anything outside of the camera. And outside the camera window, I can only see the fence, which is very close.

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) December 26, 2023

Decoding Navalny's transfer

Navalny shed light on the unconventional route of his 20-day transportation, involving multiple cities from Vladimir to Kharp. The secrecy and precautions taken during the transfer left Navalny surprised, expecting his location to remain undisclosed until mid-January.

Navalny's response

Addressing concerns about his well-being, Navalny expressed gratitude to supporters, stating, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it." His optimistic tone contrasts with the challenging circumstances surrounding his prison transfer.

Amid Navalny's unknown whereabouts, speculation mounted regarding a potential prison transfer. In Russia, such transfers are a lengthy process, often involving rail transport between distant facilities. Navalny's lawyers and supporters had anticipated his move to a "special regime" colony, known for its stringent conditions.

8/9 Anyway, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it.

Thanks again to everyone for your support. And happy holidays!

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) December 26, 2023

Navalny's new home

Navalny's destination, the 'Polar Wolf' colony, renowned as one of Russia's toughest prisons, poses additional challenges. Inmates convicted of severe crimes endure the harsh Arctic winters, with temperatures plummeting to around minus 28 degrees Celsius.

Navalny's incarceration began in January 2021, following his return to Moscow after recovering from nerve agent poisoning in Germany, an incident he attributed to the Kremlin. His activism against corruption and anti-Kremlin protests led to multiple imprisonments, including a 19-year sentence on "extremism" charges.

9/9 Since I'm Santa Claus, you're probably wondering about the presents. But I am a special-regime Santa Claus, so only those who have behaved very badly get presents 😉

— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) December 26, 2023

Navalny's defiance and Kremlin's response

Despite facing politically motivated charges, Navalny remains resilient, rejecting all accusations against him. A recent court decision extended his sentence, necessitating a move to a more secure and stringent prison.

Navalny's satirical jibe at Kremlin

In a characteristic satirical tone, Navalny, now self-proclaimed "Santa Claus," humorously addressed Kremlin, stating, "I am a special-regime Santa Claus, so only those who have behaved very badly get presents." This adds a unique twist to his ongoing defiance.