time of year. it comes after we got our first look at navalny since his secret transfer to that prison in a court appearance via video link. you see him there in a black prison uniform standing behind bars. for the first time sharing stunning details at what life is like at a prison known as polar wolf. matthew chance is out front. >> reporter: he seems gaupt but in good spirits. alex a.i. navalny even cracking jokes and a smile with his first public appearances by the russian opposition leader since arriving at this arctic penal colony where temperatures have plunged. >> translator: the reality of prison is that it is a very cold place. do you know why they take newspapers there? to cover up because i'm reporting to the court here, it's much warmer to sleep with a newspaper, for example, than without it. and you just need this newspaper to stay warm.