At the Riddu Riđđu Festival, Repression Against Indigenous Peoples of Russia Was Highlighted

Photo: IR

As part of the international Indigenous festival Riddu Riđđu, taking place in Norway, representatives of Indigenous peoples from Russia held a special event dedicated to the deteriorating situation of Indigenous peoples in Russia, repression against independent activists, and the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.

Yana Tannagasheva, a representative of the Shor people from Kemerovo Oblast (Southwestern Siberia), founder and member of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia (ICIPR), addressed the festival participants. She spoke about the human rights situation of Indigenous peoples in Russia, the increasing pressure on independent organizations and activists, and how state policy affects the ability of Indigenous peoples to independently represent their interests both domestically and on the international stage.

Valentina Sovkina, a Sámi activist and member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, also spoke. She reminded that on December 17, 2025, she was among the targets of a large-scale wave of searches and pressure on Indigenous activists. Following these events, Sovkina was forced to leave Russia and continue her human rights work abroad.

Particular attention during the event was paid to the criminal case against Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt. Festival participants were informed about the circumstances of their arrest, the charges brought against them, the progress of the court proceedings, and the international solidarity campaign that has continued since their detention. It was emphasized that both human rights defenders have been held in custody for over six months, and that international human rights organizations and independent UN experts have repeatedly expressed concern over their criminal prosecution and called for their release.

Meeting participants also discussed the situation of the independent Indigenous movement in Russia amid intensifying repression and the importance of maintaining international solidarity with activists continuing to defend Indigenous rights.

The Riddu Riđđu festival is one of the largest international forums of Indigenous peoples in Europe. Each year, it brings together Indigenous representatives from around the world, creating a platform for cultural exchange, public dialogue, and discussion of current issues related to the protection of Indigenous rights.

IR