More than 100 international organizations, gathered at the United Nations, have called for the immediate release of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt from a Russian prison. At the same time, over 70 Indigenous organizations and their allies addressed Vladimir Putin directly, stating: “Speaking out is not a crime!”

Please send a message of solidarity to Daria, it will be translated into Russian and delivered to her in prison. Your words matter: letters remind political prisoners that they are seen, supported, and not forgotten beyond prison walls.

At the discussion “Voices of Indigenous Peoples Against Repression by the Russian Authorities,” held on March 3, 2026, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Sámi activist and member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Valentina Sovkina, spoke about systemic pressure on Indigenous representatives in Russia.

Thus, the case of Daria Egereva goes beyond the fate of a single person. It raises broader questions about the place of Indigenous voices in confronting global challenges, particularly those related to climate change — and about the conditions under which these voices can truly be heard.

A number of international organizations have sent appeals and open letters calling for her release and for the protection of her rights. Solidarity campaigns are taking place in different countries and include statements from Indigenous organizations, human rights institutions, and members of the expert community.

“The charges against Daria Egereva are politically motivated. Their aim is to criminalize her legitimate human rights work. We demand her immediate release,” says Sarah Reinke, head of human rights work at the STP. “Egereva has been advocating for indigenous rights, language, and culture for decades. Her detention is an attack on the indigenous movement in Russia.”

Today, March 12, a new hearing took place at the Basmanny Court in Moscow regarding the preventive measure for Daria Egereva. The court extended her detention for three months, as requested by the investigation. The hearing was held in open session, attended by diplomats from several embassies, as well as her husband and children.

• Daria Egereva be released immediately and unconditionally.

The post also notes that one environmental activist in Russia, who advocated for Indigenous peoples’ rights and climate justice, is currently being held in detention. The case illustrates broader concerns about repression against climate defenders and underscores the need for stronger international protection of environmental activists.

But today Daria is under arrest. She faces a long prison sentence — up to 20 years. Her story reminds us that defending human rights and nature still requires enormous personal courage. On International Women’s Day, it is important to speak not only about celebration, but also about women who continue to fight for justice.

Support Daria by writing to her: https://bit.ly/4l7H40q

On 17 December 2025, Russian security forces temporarily detained 17 Indigenous activists, raided their houses, and confiscated their devices. Two activists were arrested, including the Selkup Indigenous rights defender Daria Egereva, a co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC). Authorities accused her of participating in a “terrorist organization,” a charge that can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

“International law is not a menu. You cannot recognize cultural rights while ignoring land rights. You cannot speak about participation while excluding Indigenous Peoples from decision-making,” said Valentina Sovkina.

On December 17, Daria Egereva, a Selkup activist fighting for the rights of Siberia's indigenous peoples, was arrested in Russia. This is the moment when the repressive policies of the Putin regime became personal for me, Aimar Ventsel writes.

The goal of the campaign is to show that Indigenous voices stand together — across distances and borders. Sometimes it takes only a few seconds to show support — just to say: Free Daria!

The Canadian television channel APTN News, which broadcasts news for Indigenous peoples in Canada, covered the searches, interrogations of activists from the Indigenous small-numbered peoples of Russia, and the arrest of Daria Egereva.

Observers say Daria Egereva’s case highlights the risks Native advocates face when they challenge the powerful. Anita Hofschneider Daria Egereva speaks at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024 Courtesy of Teo Ormond-Skeaping/Loss and Damage Collaboration This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Russian authorities have detained an Indigenous climate advocate, accusing her of participating in a

9.2.2026 Question for written answer E-000529/2026to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyRule 144Merja Kyllönen (The Left) The Sámi Parliament in Finland has brought to the attention of the European institutions the seriously worrying situation in Russia, where several representatives and leaders of indigenous peoples have been arrested and prosecuted under counter-terrorism measures. One of the detai

The U.N. and dozens of Indigenous organizations are demanding Daria Egereva's release, but a Moscow court just extended her detention until at least March. A Russian court is continuing to hold an international advocate for Indigenous peoples on terrorism charges despite international calls to release her immediately. Daria Egereva, who is Indigenous Selkup from Russia, is co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change , which represents Indigenous

On 17 December 2025, police arrested and detained at least 17 representatives of indigenous peoples from the Altai and Sakha Republics, Tomsk, Murmansk, Kemerovo Oblasts, and Krasnoyarsk Krai. Most were released the same day but, Daria Egereva was kept detained at Moscow Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 6.