Memorial Highlights Daria and Natalia in Review of UN Report on Repression in Russia
On 30 October, Memorial published an overview of UN Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova’s report on repression in Russia. It highlights the cases of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt within a broader pattern of pressure on independent civil society.
Possible Reprisals for International Participation
Memorial notes that both women have been held in pre-trial detention since December 2025 on terrorism-related charges and face up to 20 years in prison. Its summary says Katzarova regards Egereva’s detention after returning from a UN climate conference as possible retaliation for engaging with international mechanisms.
Repression as a System of Governance
The overview describes Katzarova’s assessment that repression and Russia’s war against Ukraine reinforce each other. Peaceful rights work is presented as a security threat, while restrictive laws undermine independent organisations, journalism and legal defence.
Memorial also highlights the report’s recommendations: end persecution for peaceful human rights activity, release those detained on these grounds, and protect people facing politically motivated extradition or expulsion.
The article places Daria and Natalia’s cases in a wider discussion of the risks facing people who defend rights and cooperate internationally.
Source: Memorial, 30 October 2026. UN report A/81/374.
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