After Navalny’s disappearance
Kremlin reads out an arrest warrant against another Kremlin critic
December 21, 2023, 9:55 p.m
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More than two weeks ago, the famous Kremlin critic’s supporters lost all contact with him. This also includes his lawyer, who is not allowed through in prison. As concerns for his well-being intensify, the Kremlin is now also issuing an arrest warrant for a key ally.
Russia has issued an arrest warrant against a long-time confidante of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny who lives in exile. “Look, I’m now on the Russian wanted list,” wrote Maria Pewtschich in a post on online networks that also shows a smiling emoji with sunglasses. “I’m not sure why, who cares,” she continued, attaching a screenshot of the Home Office notice. Pevchich has already left Russia and heads the anti-corruption foundation founded by Navalny, which draws attention to corruption among Russian elites.
Navalny is considered President Vladimir Putin’s harshest domestic policy critic. After a poison attack, for which he blames the Kremlin, he traveled to Germany for treatment. In 2021, Navalny returned to Russia and was imprisoned there. In the summer, his prison sentence was increased to 19 years.
Disappeared for 16 days
Recently, Navalny’s supporters had become increasingly concerned and said that they had had no information about his whereabouts for more than two weeks. “Nawalny should have a (court) hearing now. He didn’t show up again,” said his spokeswoman Kira Jarmisch in online networks. “We have had no information about Alexei for 16 days,” she continued.
The court promised to send a request for information to the prison authorities. Navalny may be transferred to another prison. This can take weeks in Russia, where inmates are transported by train between far-flung penitentiaries. Several international human rights groups and Western governments have expressed concern about Navalny’s whereabouts.