Navalny Says He's Fine But Faces Harsh Isolation in Remote Russian Prison
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Allies expressed relief at Navalny's message saying he's "fine" but worried about the harsh conditions at the remote "Polar Wolf" prison colony
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The prison is one of Russia's toughest, established under Stalin with a history of torture and collective punishment
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Navalny displayed his characteristic humor but the region is extremely isolated and cold, with long dark winters
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Getting letters to Navalny will be very difficult, taking over 40 hours by train for lawyers to access
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The transfer is seen as intended to isolate Navalny ahead of Russian elections in March when critics are being jailed or fleeing