In an exclusive interview with UN News, she stated that her office had expressed ongoing worries in recent months, including concerns about the declining health of Mr. Navalny.

In 2021, the anti-corruption activist, who was 47 years old, was arrested and was serving various sentences for charges of extremism.

She expressed shock at the timing of this event, which occurred less than a month before the Russian presidential election. The incident has caused shockwaves among people in Russia and around the world who are worried about the growing suppression of government dissent in the Russian Federation.

The location of the penal colony where Mr. Navalny passed away is located above the Arctic Circle. Its isolated setting has been previously utilized as part of the gulag system for political persecution in Russia. According to her, the area has limited internet connectivity and is detached from society.

According to Ms. Katzarova, the treatment of Mr. Navalny while in custody can be considered as torture. She also stated that he was being placed in “punishment cells” where he had to endure extremely difficult conditions.

‘Who is next?’

Referring to similar instances of detainment, she urged for the liberation of any and all individuals imprisoned for political reasons in Russia.

“I am constantly wondering today, who will be the next victim if the authorities refuse to take action and grant liberty and freedom to all the individuals who have been unlawfully imprisoned in Russia solely for their beliefs, whether it be in opposition to the war in Ukraine or in disagreement with government policies that they have expressed.”

We must free all these individuals, all the prisoners, in order to prevent any more distressing headlines of yet another political prisoner and human rights activist dying while in custody in Russia.

Special Rapporteurs

Ms. Katzorova was appointed as the first Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia by the UN in May.

The Human Rights Council established the responsibility, expressing worry about the decline in the state of human rights in Russia. This includes severe limitations on the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, leading to consistent suppression of civil society groups.

The UN Human Rights Council appoints Special Rapporteurs and other experts to observe and document particular thematic matters or country conditions. They are not employed by the UN and do not receive payment for their duties.

The source of this information is the United Nations website.