A Russian court has postponed hearings for opposition politician Alexei Navalny until at least January, raising concerns about his health and wellbeing. His allies say Navalny's lawyers have not seen him since December 6, leaving them worried about his whereabouts. The Kremlin critic's expected transfer to a special regime colony, the harshest grade in Russia's prison system, was put on hold until more information is released. Navalny's supporters have launched an internet campaign with the hashtag #WhereIsNavalny, calling for transparency regarding the location and treatment of the imprisoned political figure.

Russian courts halt cases against Alexei Navalny after jailed activist disappears

Judges halt seven judicial hearings as UN official says his absence amounts to ‘forced disappearance.’https://t.co/6URmPOvOAh

— Cat, Reigning Typo Queen👑😷🌻NO DMs (@typo_cat) December 18, 2023

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia has expressed concern over the lack of information about Navalny's whereabouts, calling it alarming and suggesting it amounts to enforced disappearance. Mariana Katzarova, the Special Rapporteur, also raised concerns about his treatment in detention, stating that he has been persistently ill-treated and deprived of access to adequate medical care, putting his life at risk. Navalny, 47, was moved to a new prison in another part of the country, and his arrival there will be disclosed in line with the law, according to Russia's prison service.

However, the process of moving prisoners across the vast country can take weeks, leaving lawyers and family members in the dark about their location and wellbeing until they reach their destination. Navalny, a former lawyer who rose to prominence by ridiculing Russian President Vladimir Putin's elite and exposing corruption, was jailed in 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he had been treated for a near-fatal poisoning. He and independent investigators say the poisoning was carried out by the Russian state.

Despite ongoing concerns about his health and treatment in detention, Navalny has been convicted and sentenced to additional years in prison. The lack of information about Navalny's whereabouts and his treatment in prison has raised alarm among his allies and international human rights advocates, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding his situation.