On April 7, 2026, the identity of a second individual detained in connection with the Aborigen Forum case was revealed, shedding further light on a wave of repressive actions targeting Indigenous Peoples and their advocates in Russia. Natalya Leongardt, a seasoned human rights defender with two decades of dedicated service to the rights of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East, has been identified as the second defendant alongside Daria Egereva, an ethnic Selkup arrested in Moscow on December 17, 2025. Both Leongardt and Egereva face grave charges of "participating in the activities of a terrorist organization" under Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. As of this announcement, the case remains under investigation, and the court has ordered the continued detention of both individuals.
Background of Repression Against Indigenous Rights Advocates
The arrests of Leongardt and Egereva are understood to be part of a broader, coordinated effort to suppress Indigenous activism and human rights work within the Russian Federation. The timing of Egereva’s arrest, December 17, 2025, marked a significant escalation in what observers have described as a systematic crackdown. Daria Egereva, known for her prominent advocacy at the United Nations for Indigenous voices, found herself on the other side of the state apparatus she had sought to engage. The revelation of Leongardt’s co-defendant status underscores the targeted nature of these actions, aiming at individuals deeply embedded in the protection and promotion of Indigenous rights.
The Aborigen Forum, a platform for Indigenous Peoples to discuss their rights and challenges, has been a focal point of concern for international human rights organizations. The charges brought against Leongardt and Egereva, particularly the designation of their work as "terrorism," represent a severe distortion of legitimate human rights activities and a chilling precedent for civil society in Russia.
Natalya Leongardt: A Career Dedicated to Indigenous Rights
Natalya Leongardt’s professional journey in human rights advocacy began in 2005. She initially served as an administrator at the Russian Indigenous Peoples Training Center/Center for Support of Indigenous Minorities of the North (RITC/CSIMNS). In this role, she was instrumental in the administrative and organizational implementation of approximately 20 educational programs. A significant aspect of her work involved facilitating international exchanges and internships, fostering crucial cooperation projects between Russian regions and Indigenous communities in northern countries. These initiatives were vital for strengthening the capacity of Indigenous organizations and building connections with international partners, providing a vital lifeline of support and visibility.
Aivana Enmynkau, an Indigenous representative from Nuvuqaghmiit, commented on Leongardt’s dedication: "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 highlights the stark contrast between Leongardt’s recognized contributions and the current criminal charges she faces.
From 2011 to 2013, Leongardt continued her impactful work at the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON). During her tenure, she remained focused on protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and cultivating international cooperation. Her engagement extended to completing internships at UN agencies in Geneva and actively participating in international events, where she consistently advocated for Indigenous rights on a global stage. This extensive experience and international engagement likely made her a target in an environment increasingly hostile to independent civil society.
Daria Egereva’s Birthday Marked by Incarceration
Adding a poignant personal dimension to the case, April 7, 2026, marks Daria Egereva’s 49th birthday. Instead of celebrating with family and supporters, Egereva is reportedly spending this milestone in a Russian prison cell. This somber anniversary underscores the human cost of the ongoing repression. Supporters are encouraged to send letters of support to Egereva, a gesture of solidarity in the face of severe legal challenges. Information on how to do so is being disseminated through dedicated solidarity channels.
Legal Framework and Potential Implications
The charges levied against Leongardt and Egereva, specifically Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, are part of a broader trend of utilizing anti-terrorism legislation to silence dissent and restrict civic space. This article broadly defines "terrorism" and has been increasingly applied to activists, journalists, and individuals perceived as threats to state interests. The potential 10 to 20-year prison sentence highlights the severity of the accusations and the state’s intent to incapacitate individuals involved in advocacy.
The continued detention ordered by the court, despite the ongoing investigation and lack of a verdict, raises concerns about due process and fair trial rights. The legal documentation indicating continued detention, rather than alternative measures, suggests a deliberate strategy to keep the accused isolated and under pressure.
Broader Context: The Aborigen Forum and Indigenous Rights in Russia
The Aborigen Forum has served as a critical platform for Indigenous communities across Russia to voice their concerns, share experiences, and strategize for the protection of their rights. These rights, often enshrined in international declarations such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, include self-determination, cultural preservation, land rights, and protection from discrimination. However, Indigenous Peoples in Russia have historically faced significant challenges, including land dispossession, environmental degradation due to industrial development, assimilation policies, and marginalization.
The Russian government’s approach to Indigenous rights has been a subject of international scrutiny. While acknowledging the existence of Indigenous groups, critics argue that the state often prioritizes economic development and national security over the rights and well-being of these communities. The use of broad legal definitions to label legitimate advocacy as "terrorism" is seen as a tool to dismantle organizations that challenge these priorities and to deter others from engaging in similar work.
International Reaction and Calls for Release
While specific official reactions from international bodies and governments were not detailed in the initial release, the detention of human rights defenders like Leongardt and Egereva typically draws condemnation from international organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and various UN special rapporteurs. These bodies have consistently called for the repeal or amendment of laws that are used to stifle legitimate activism and have urged the Russian government to uphold its international human rights obligations.
The situation of Natalya Leongardt and Daria Egereva is likely to become a focal point for ongoing advocacy efforts by global human rights networks. Solidarity campaigns are actively working to raise awareness and exert pressure on the Russian authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of both women. The aim is to ensure that their work in defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples is recognized as a vital contribution to a just society, rather than a criminal offense.
A Timeline of Events:
- December 17, 2025: Daria Egereva, an ethnic Selkup and human rights defender, is arrested in Moscow. This date marks the beginning of the coordinated repressive actions against Indigenous Peoples and their advocates.
- April 7, 2026: The name of the second defendant in the Aborigen Forum case is revealed as Natalya Leongardt, a long-standing human rights defender specializing in Indigenous rights. On the same date, Daria Egereva celebrates her 49th birthday in detention.
- Ongoing: The case remains under investigation, with the court having ordered the continued detention of both Natalya Leongardt and Daria Egereva.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The detention of Natalya Leongardt and Daria Egereva represents a grave concern for the future of Indigenous rights and human rights advocacy in Russia. Their extensive careers dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities stand in stark contrast to the severe charges they now face. The designation of their legitimate work as terrorism is a tactic that silences critical voices and undermines the very principles of justice and human dignity.
Supporters and human rights organizations are urging for increased international attention to this case. The dissemination of information, the sending of letters of support to the detained individuals, and the continued advocacy for their release are crucial steps in countering the erosion of fundamental freedoms. The fight for Indigenous rights in Russia is intrinsically linked to the broader struggle for human rights and democratic principles, and the outcome of this case will have significant implications for civil society across the nation.
For further inquiries and to stay updated on the case, please contact Tatiana Shauro, Solidarity Campaign Communications Coordinator, via email at [email protected] or through Signal (@tati.61) or Telegram (@tatishauro). A dedicated update channel is also available at http://t.me/FreeDariaAndNatalia.
