London: UK Foreign Minister David Cameron announced on Wednesday that London had imposed sanctions on six officials leading the Siberian penal colony where Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny passed away.
“Those responsible for Navalny’s cruel treatment will face consequences,” stated Cameron.
The sanctioned individuals will face asset freezes and travel bans in the UK. Among them is Vadim Konstantinovich Kalinin, in charge of the IK-3 Arctic Penal Colony “Polar Wolf”, along with five deputy officials.
The UK, the first nation to issue sanctions following Navalny’s demise on Friday, also demanded the immediate release of his body to his family.
“It’s evident that Russian authorities perceived Navalny as a threat and made multiple attempts to silence him,” Cameron remarked. “They poisoned him with Novichok in 2020, incarcerated him for peaceful political activities, and transferred him to an Arctic penal colony. The oppressive nature of the Russian system is undeniable.”
Hence, the most senior prison officials responsible for Navalny’s custody in the penal colony where he spent his last months are being sanctioned today, Cameron said.
