Calls for the Release of Russian Indigenous Activists Intensify
As a crucial court hearing approaches, ten United Nations officials are urging Russia to release Daria Egereva, an Indigenous climate advocate, and her colleague Natalia Leongardt, both detained on terrorism charges for six months. Their arrest has sparked international outcry and highlights a broader crackdown on civil society in Russia.
Hailing from the Selkup Indigenous group, Egereva co-chairs the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, a platform for Indigenous perspectives at global climate forums. Russian authorities detained her and Leongardt shortly after Egereva’s return from the COP30 conference. Leongardt, with a history of promoting educational programs for Indigenous communities in Russia, was also taken into custody.
Both activists are accused of terrorist activities linked to their involvement in the Aborigen Forum, a network of Indigenous advocates dissolved by Russian authorities two years ago. U.N. experts, however, suggest that the charges may be retaliatory, linked to their participation in U.N. events, amidst increasing suppression of civil rights including Indigenous activism in Russia.
In a publicized letter, U.N. officials, including rapporteurs for environmental and Indigenous issues, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the duo, stating their detention relates to “peaceful human rights activities.” They emphasized the need for Egereva and Leongardt to continue their advocacy work without intimidation or retaliation.
The letter, which surfaced in April, has yet to receive a response from Russian officials. Egereva and Leongardt’s upcoming court appearance could result in sentences of up to 20 years. Their imprisonment has been met with international condemnation, with over 100 organizations advocating for their release during a U.N. forum in New York.
Egereva, a prominent figure in climate discussions, was arrested after speaking at COP30 about increasing Indigenous women’s participation in climate negotiations. “Women are one of the most vulnerable groups within Indigenous peoples, so we are working to ensure that Indigenous women are included in all climate negotiations affecting their rights, and their interests, and their priorities,” she said in November.
Despite her arrest, Egereva’s influence endures. The International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change extended her co-chair term, breaking tradition to include a third leader as a gesture of solidarity.
Since her detention, Egereva has faced restricted contact with her family. The U.N. letter highlights her limited interactions, noting, “Over recent months, she has only been able to see her husband at three court hearings, during which Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia (FSIN) officers prohibited any personal communication or contact.”
The U.N. officials express concern over the chilling effect the prosecution may have on Indigenous advocacy and U.N. engagement. Friends and colleagues argue that Egereva and Leongardt’s work was standard advocacy, mischaracterized as terrorism by Russian authorities. Kate Finn, executive director of the Tallgrass Institute, stated, “It’s being framed by the Russian government as terrorist activity, but it’s activity that Indigenous women do every day for the U.N. system these days.”
Original Story at grist.org