Putin promotes judge publicly censured in Navalny's death
On Monday, the independent portal Meduza reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted Judge Kirill Nikiforov, known for rejecting opposition leader Alexei Navalny's complaints about conditions in a penal colony. This decision was made under a decree dated December 13, appointing Nikiforov as a judge of the regional court in Vladimir.
Nikiforov, formerly a judge in the city of Vladimir, was responsible for dismissing numerous complaints from Navalny regarding his confinement in Penal Colony No. 6 in Melekhovo, located about 260 kilometres east of Moscow. The opposition leader complained about frequent placements in solitary confinement and violations of prisoners' rights.
According to Mediazona, in 2022, Nikiforov rejected Navalny's complaint about unlawful placement in solitary confinement. In January 2023, he again dismissed the opposition leader's application regarding a 12-day isolation.
After the death of Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, the world reacted with outrage. The 47-year-old lawyer, who was imprisoned in a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle, died on February 16, 2024, under unexplained circumstances. Information provided by Russian prison services about his sudden death during a walk incited widespread skepticism and doubts about the presented facts.
International reactions were decisive. The European Union quickly took action, imposing sanctions on 19 people associated with Navalny's alleged death, including investigators and prosecutors. In March 2023, Judge Nikiforov was added to the list of individuals sanctioned by the European Union and Canada for his role in contributing to Navalny's death.
Navalny's death became a catalyst for anti-Kremlin opposition actions. In response to the tragedy, hackers infiltrated the Russian prison system, revealing prisoner data. This act was aimed not only at seeking revenge but also at spreading information about conditions in Russian prisons and Navalny's death. The leader’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, continues his efforts despite ongoing repression.
