Alexei Navalny. Paul Whelan. Evan Gershkovich. Vladimir Kara-Murza. Alsu Kurmasheva. And all the other political prisoners in the vast archipelago of Russian prisons and camps who must not be forgotten.

*. *. *

Following are pictures from Prison Camp IK-28, Arkhangelsk Region,“only” about 781 miles north of Moscow. But obviously still cold enough and isolated enough to freeze an inmate’s significant body parts . . . not to mention his soul.

These photographs are allowed to be published because this is supposedly one of Russia’s “better” camps.

Now imagine life — such as it is — for Navalny: 2,000 miles farther east in Prison Camp IK-3, some 40 miles above the Arctic Circle, and known to be one of the worst and most brutal of all of Russia’s penal outposts.

Imagine him completely at the mercy of the elements and the vicious prison guards, as well as the majority of his fellow inmates who are not political prisoners, but violent criminals and terrorists.

Imagine him being completely cut off from family and friends — no visitors, no phone, no mail, no word at all from the outside world.

Now imagine him facing this life for the duration of a sentence of 30 years. Could even the strongest, healthiest, most courageous person survive for long?

Can Navalny?

We must not forget . . . he does not belong there . . . he must be brought home.

Brendochka
12/27/23