The Kremlin is taking aim at Alexei Navalny’s reputation, as the opposition leader was sent to a prison colony in Russia, a journey into a “grey zone” where supporters say he will need maximum international support to ensure his safety. Amnesty has said it will continue to push for Navalny’s release, but supporters say its move has already done real damage. Amnesty has said its decision was internal and the focus on it is distracting from securing Navalny’s release. Navalny began his long period of transfer to a Russian prison colony on Thursday evening in a process called etapirovaniye, where even close relatives can lose track of prisoners for days or weeks. It’s hell on its own, but in Alexei’s case, just like being in prison, it’s a threat to his life.”

Source: The Guardian February 26, 2021 13:57 UTC