Russian courts have halted new criminal proceedings against jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny as he remains missing and uncontactable for nearly two weeks.

The Kremlin’s silence on Navalny’s whereabouts has raised serious concerns about his safety and well-being, with one UN official labeling his disappearance as a “forced disappearance.”

Navalny’s lawyers reported that seven judicial hearings scheduled for Monday had been postponed “until his whereabouts are established.” This further exacerbates fears that the Kremlin could be silencing the outspoken critic as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his fifth presidential term.

Navalny, who has been sentenced to nearly three decades in prison, was last seen at a prison in the Vladimir region near Moscow last week. The possibility of his transfer to a “special regime” colony where he could be held incommunicado for prolonged periods under Russia’s harshest prison regime has amplified the alarm.

Kira Yarmysh, a Navalny aide, stated that their team had contacted nearly 200 Russian pre-trial detention centers in search of him, but to no avail.

The Kremlin’s response has been dismissive, with Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that they have “neither the intention nor the ability to track the fate of prisoners.”

Navalny’s supporters also worry about his deteriorating health, as he had collapsed earlier this month due to poor sanitation and nutrition at his previous prison. He has maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated.

UN Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova has expressed grave concern about the authorities’ refusal to disclose Navalny’s whereabouts, stating that his prolonged disappearance amounts to enforced disappearance.

She also noted that the scheduled court hearing on Navalny’s human rights violations was canceled, and his lawyers, who have been unable to meet him since December 6, were informed that he is no longer held in the Vladimir region.

Navalny’s disappearance has coincided with Putin’s announcement of his intention to run for a fifth presidential term, extending his rule to nearly three decades. Navalny’s supporters have responded with an anti-Putin guerrilla campaign, including billboards in major Russian cities with QR codes directing viewers to a website promoting nonviolent “partisan” tactics for dissent.