Published By: Mahima Joshi
Last Updated: December 12, 2023, 22:05 IST
Navalny, who survived a 2020 poisoning with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, is serving a 19-year prison sentence after Russian courts convicted him on a slew of charges. (Image: AP)
Navalny’s team said he has missed several court hearings and his lawyers have been told he was removed from his prison for an undisclosed location.
The European Union on Tuesday reiterated its call for the immediate release of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has gone missing, according to his allies.
Navalny’s team said he has missed several court hearings and his lawyers have been told he was removed from his prison for an undisclosed location.
“Highly worrying news of Navalny missing for seven days,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Russia’s political leadership is responsible for his safety and health in prison for which they will be held to account,” Borrell said.
He urged Navalny’s “immediate and unconditional release from politically motivated incarceration”.
Navalny, who survived a 2020 poisoning with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, is serving a 19-year prison sentence after Russian courts convicted him on a slew of charges, including “extremism” and embezzlement.
His allies linked his disappearance with President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he plans to extend his long rule by running for a fifth presidential term in March.
The Kremlin on Tuesday criticised what it called “interference” by the United States after Washington said it was “deeply concerned” about the team’s inability to get access to, or locate, Navalny.
