This week we heard from Vladimir Kara-Murza’s wife Evgenia, who said on January 29th that her husband had left the “strict regime” penal colony where he had been held since last September, and that there was no word as to where he was being taken. In circumstances eerily mirroring the case of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Mrs. Kara-Murza said that “her husband, who suffers from a nerve disorder after surviving two poison attacks, had been in solitary confinement during the four months he had spent in the harsh-regime IK-6 colony in Omsk.” He now suffers from polyneuropathy, a condition that causes the loss of sensation in his limbs unless controlled by medication and exercise. His wife, not unreasonably, fears for his life in prison. [Reuters, Jan. 29, 2024.]

One of the few outspoken dissidents who have opted to remain in Russia despite the harsh punishments being meted out by the increasingly repressive Putin regime, Kara-Murza has been sentenced to 25 years for “treason” and “spreading false information” about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His only real crime? Speaking the truth. And now — as they did to Navalny — the authorities have removed Kara-Murza to . . . where? No one knows, because they are not required to inform the prisoner’s family or legal counsel. It took three weeks for Navalny to resurface, and when he did, he was in one of the harshest prison camps — IK-3, also referred to as “Polar Wolf” — some 40 miles inside the Arctic Circle.

During the period of Navalny’s “unavailability,” I posted articles titled “Where Is Alexei Navalny?” Do I now have to do the same for Vladimir Kara-Murza? I hope not; but if it becomes necessary, I assure you, I will. My voice, in and of itself, may not have any effect; but if enough voices are added to the mix, perhaps . . . just perhaps . . .

Because if Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Navalny — and the other courageous men and women who dare to speak out against Putin’s blatantly totalitarian rule — are silenced, there will be no hope for Russia in the foreseeable future.

Always believe, and never forget this: Their power resides in their words . . . These HOSTAGES — this “band of brothers” in the truest sense — must be brought home.

*. *. *

Please . . . bring them home!

Brendochka
2/5/24