Alexei Navalny allies relieved but fearful of Arctic prison regime

Allies welcome Kremlin critics’ letter but concerned about harsh conditions at remote ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony

Allies of the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny expressed relief upon reading a message the Kremlin critic posted on Tuesday reassuring them that he was “fine”.

But their relief was quickly tempered by grave concerns about the harsh conditions he faces in the Arctic prison known as “Polar Wolf”.