On December 17, 2025, a significant and coordinated wave of repressive actions targeting Indigenous Peoples and their human rights defenders swept across Russia. Among those detained was Daria Egereva, an ethnic Selkup, who was arrested in Moscow. Today, the identity of the second individual charged in this case has been revealed: Natalya Leongardt. Leongardt is a seasoned Russian human rights defender and a colleague of Egereva, possessing two decades of dedicated professional experience in supporting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East.
Both Leongardt and Egereva face grave charges under Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, specifically "participating in the activities of a terrorist organization." This charge carries a severe potential penalty of 10 to 20 years imprisonment. As of April 7, 2026, no verdict has been reached, and the case remains under investigation. The court has thus far ordered the continued detention of both defendants.
Background of the Aborigen Forum Case and the Detained Defenders
The arrests of Egereva and Leongardt are understood to be linked to their involvement with the "Aborigen Forum," a platform and initiative aimed at advocating for the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples within Russia. While the specifics of the forum’s activities leading to these charges are not fully detailed in the initial reports, human rights organizations have expressed deep concern, viewing these actions as a continuation of a broader crackdown on civil society and Indigenous rights advocacy in Russia.
Natalya Leongardt’s career in human rights advocacy began in 2005 when she joined the Russian Indigenous Peoples Training Center/Center for Support of Indigenous Minorities of the North (RITC/CSIMNS) as an administrator. During her tenure, she was instrumental in the administrative and organizational implementation of approximately 20 educational programs. A crucial aspect of her work involved facilitating international exchanges and internships, fostering cooperation projects between Russian regions and Indigenous communities in Nordic countries. These initiatives were designed to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous organizations and enhance their engagement with international partners.
Aivana Enmynkau, an Indigenous representative of the Nuvuqaghmiit, commented on Leongardt’s professional standing: "Many know Natalya as a professional – for many years, she consistently engaged in human rights work and supported the initiatives of Indigenous Peoples, who remember her fondly. Her work was entirely legal." This statement underscores the perception of Leongardt’s long-standing and legitimate contributions to Indigenous rights advocacy.
From 2011 to 2013, Leongardt continued her dedicated work at the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON). In this role, she further advanced her efforts in protecting Indigenous rights and developing international cooperation. Her engagement included internships at United Nations agencies in Geneva and participation in international forums, where she advocated for the rights of Indigenous Peoples on a global stage.
Chronology of Events and Legal Proceedings
The timeline of events leading to the current situation is as follows:
- 2005: Natalya Leongardt begins her career at the Russian Indigenous Peoples Training Center/Center for Support of Indigenous Minorities of the North (RITC/CSIMNS), focusing on program implementation and international cooperation for Indigenous rights.
- 2011-2013: Leongardt transitions to the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON), expanding her advocacy to international platforms, including internships at UN agencies.
- December 17, 2025: A coordinated wave of repressive actions targets Indigenous Peoples and human rights defenders in Russia. Daria Egereva is arrested in Moscow.
- Post-December 17, 2025: Investigations commence, and Natalya Leongardt is identified as the second defendant in the case. Both Egereva and Leongardt are charged under Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code.
- Present (April 7, 2026): The case remains under investigation, and court orders have dictated the continued detention of both Egereva and Leongardt. Today also marks Daria Egereva’s 49th birthday, which she is spending incarcerated.
The Gravity of the Charges and Potential Implications
The charge of "participating in the activities of a terrorist organization" is one of the most severe under Russian law, particularly when applied to individuals engaged in advocacy and community organizing. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns that such charges are often used to suppress dissent and criminalize legitimate activism. The potential sentence of 10 to 20 years imprisonment highlights the seriousness with which the Russian authorities are pursuing these cases.
The application of Article 205.5 to human rights defenders involved in Indigenous rights advocacy raises significant alarm bells. It suggests a potential government strategy to delegitimize and dismantle organizations and networks that provide a voice for marginalized communities and hold state actors accountable. The "Aborigen Forum," as a platform for Indigenous self-determination and rights assertion, could be seen by authorities as a threat to existing power structures or national unity, especially within the current geopolitical climate.
The detention of individuals like Egereva and Leongardt, who have dedicated their careers to the welfare of Indigenous Peoples, can have a chilling effect on broader civil society. It risks silencing crucial voices and hindering efforts to address systemic issues faced by Indigenous communities, including land rights, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and socio-economic disparities.
Broader Context of Indigenous Rights in Russia
Russia is home to over 40 distinct Indigenous groups, many of whom inhabit vast territories in Siberia and the Far East. These communities often face significant challenges related to resource extraction, environmental degradation, and the erosion of their traditional ways of life and cultural practices. International bodies, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, have documented these challenges and called for greater protection of Indigenous rights in Russia.
In recent years, there has been a documented trend of increased pressure on non-governmental organizations and civil society groups in Russia, including those working on human rights and environmental issues. The "foreign agent" law and other restrictive legislation have made it increasingly difficult for such organizations to operate. The charges brought against Egereva and Leongardt appear to fit within this broader pattern of tightening state control over civil society and silencing critical voices.
International Reactions and Calls for Support
While formal statements from international governmental bodies may not have been issued immediately following the reveal of Leongardt’s identity, human rights organizations and Indigenous rights advocates globally are expected to voice their concern. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), to which Russia is a signatory, outlines fundamental rights for Indigenous peoples, including the right to self-determination, cultural integrity, and participation in decision-making processes that affect them. The arrests of Egereva and Leongardt are seen by many as a violation of these principles.
Advocacy groups are calling for increased international attention to the case. Supporters are encouraged to send letters of support to Daria Egereva, who is spending her 49th birthday in a Russian prison cell. A dedicated update channel has been established to disseminate information and mobilize support for both Egereva and Leongardt.
The solidarity campaign communications coordinator, Tatiana Shauro, has provided contact information for media inquiries and for those wishing to subscribe to update channels. The continued detention of Egereva and Leongardt underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and advocacy from the international community to ensure due process and the protection of human rights for Indigenous Peoples and their defenders in Russia. The long-term implications of these arrests could significantly impact the future of Indigenous rights advocacy within the Russian Federation, potentially leading to further marginalization and silencing of these vital communities.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Tatiana Shauro
Solidarity Campaign Communications Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Signal: @tati.61
Telegram: @tatishauro
Time Zone: GMT+0
Subscribe to the update channel: http://t.me/FreeDariaAndNatalia
