About Daria
PERSECUTED for defending Indigenous RIGHTS
Daria Egereva is a Selkup Indigenous activist and human rights defender from western Siberia who has advocated for Indigenous rights in international forums, including the United Nations and global climate negotiations. She has served as Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change, representing Indigenous communities affected by climate and environmental policies.
In December 2025, Russian authorities raided her home and arrested her, charging her with alleged involvement in a “terrorist organization” - a claim widely condemned as fabricated. Human rights groups say her prosecution is retaliation for her peaceful advocacy and international work, and warn it reflects a broader crackdown on Indigenous and civil society activists in Russia.
About Natalia
Detained for Advocating Indigenous Rights
Natalia Leongardt is a human rights advocate specializing in the protection of Russia’s Indigenous peoples. Since 2005, she has worked with Indigenous communities from Murmansk to Magadan, developing educational programs on Indigenous rights, sustainable development, traditional tourism, and economic independence. She has also supported international exchanges and cooperation with Indigenous peoples in northern countries.
In December 2025, Russian authorities detained her in the same criminal case as Daria Egereva, accusing her of involvement in a “terrorist organization.” Human rights groups say the charges are fabricated and that her prosecution is retaliation for her peaceful advocacy and educational work. Her case reflects the broader criminalization of Indigenous and civil society activists in Russia.
About the case
december 17
On December 17, 2025, a large-scale, coordinated wave of repressive actions against Indigenous Peoples and their human rights defenders occurred in Russia. On that day, 2 women were arrested: Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.
That day at least 17 Indigenous activists across the country were subjected to searches and interrogations. These actions were clearly coordinated and affected 10 regions, including Moscow, the Altai Republic, Tomsk, Murmansk, and Kemerovo Oblasts, Altai Krai, Taimyr and Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), and St. Petersburg.
Following the searches and interrogations, some human rights defenders were forced to leave Russia for their own safety. For many of them, leaving the country was not a voluntary choice but a necessity to continue their work and avoid further persecution.
296
DAYS IN PRISON
20
YEARS OF POSSIBLE IMPRISONMENT
100+
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED DARIA AND NATALIA
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INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
Daria’s case has received international attention. Human rights organizations and civil society groups from multiple countries have issued public statements expressing concern and calling for the protection of her rights.
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Demand Release
Call on Russian authorities and international bodies to demand the immediate release of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.
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Spread the word about Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt to raise awareness of their case and draw international attention.
Messages of solidarity remind Daria and Natalia they are not alone. Use the forms below to write to Daria or Natalia.
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SEND A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO DARIA AND NATALIA
How to write
Use the forms below to send a message of solidarity to Daria Egereva or Natalia Leongardt. Your message will be translated into Russian and delivered to the woman you write to in prison.
Messages can be short and simple. Introduce yourself, say where you are from, and share a few words of support or wishes of strength. Please avoid political calls to action or sensitive details to help your message reach its recipient.
You can write to either woman, or send a separate message to each using the appropriate form.