Spokeswoman reports Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny missing following release from prison

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is reportedly missing after being taken from prison, according to his spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was removed from Matrosskaya Tishina prison in Moscow on Thursday, according to Yarmysh. She stated that his current whereabouts are unknown, and that he has not been in contact with his lawyers or family.

This development has raised concerns among Navalny’s supporters and human rights advocates, as it comes amidst a crackdown on dissent in Russia. Navalny was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison earlier this year, after returning to Russia from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack with a nerve agent.

The Russian government has denied any involvement in the poisoning, but many believe it was a targeted attack on Navalny for his vocal criticism of the Kremlin.

Navalny’s disappearance has sparked international outrage, with many world leaders and organizations calling for his immediate release and the disclosure of his whereabouts.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed deep concern over Navalny’s disappearance, stating that it is imperative for the Russian authorities to ensure his safety and well-being. The United States also called for Navalny’s release, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding that the Russian government provide information on his whereabouts and ensure his safety.

The disappearance of Navalny is another worrying sign of the deteriorating state of democracy and human rights in Russia. It is yet another example of the Russian government’s efforts to silence dissent and opposition, and to intimidate those who dare to speak out against the regime.

As the international community continues to put pressure on Russia to reveal the whereabouts of Navalny and ensure his safety, it is crucial for all those who value freedom of expression and democracy to stand in solidarity with Navalny and demand justice for him.

The disappearance of Navalny is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out against authoritarian regimes, and it should serve as a rallying cry for all those who believe in the fundamental right to freedom of speech and political dissent. The world must not stay silent in the face of such blatant violations of human rights, and must continue to push for the release of Navalny and the protection of his rights.