Britain sanctions leaders of ‘Polar Wolf’ prison camp where Alexei Navalny died

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Britain has sanctioned the leaders of the “Polar Wolf” prison camp in Russia where opposition chief Alexei Navalny died.

Days after Mr Navalny’s demise, the UK imposed journey bans and asset freezes on six people heading up the notoriously brutal FKU IK-3 prison camp.

Britain is the primary nation to impose measures in response to the politician’s demise, which has been extensively blamed on the Kremlin by western international locations.

Foreign secretary David Cameron mentioned the Russian authorities “saw Navalny as a threat and tried repeatedly to silence him”.

“FSB operatives poisoned him with Novichok in 2020, they imprisoned him for peaceful political activities, and they sent him to an Arctic penal colony. No-one should doubt the oppressive nature of the Russian system,” Lord Cameron added.

The former prime minister mentioned these being sanctioned are “the most senior prison officials” chargeable for his custody in IK-3.

“Those responsible for Navalny’s brutal treatment should be under no illusion – we will hold them accountable,” he mentioned.

Those being sanctioned are the prison’s head, Colonel Vadim Konstantinovich Kalinin, in addition to deputies Sergey Nikolaevich Korzhov, Vasily Alexandrovich Vydrin, Vladimir Ivanovich Pilipchik, Aleksandr Vladimirovich Golyakov and Aleksandr Valerievich Obraztsov.

Britain has additionally known as for Mr Navalny’s physique to be launched to his household and for a “full and transparent” investigation into his killing.

The so-called “Polar Wolf” prison camp is past the Arctic circle and inmates are reportedly subjected to harsh punishments akin to being doused with water outdoor within the winter.

Paying tribute to the Putin critic at PMQs, Rishi Sunak mentioned: “He died for a cause to which he dedicated his whole life, freedom, and to return home knowing that Putin had already tried to have him killed was one of the most courageous acts of our time. “Together with our allies, we are considering all options to hold Russia and Putin to account and this morning we sanctioned those running the prison where Alexei Navalny’s body still lies.”

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