Name of the second Russian defendant detained in the Aborigen Forum case, along with Daria Egereva, is revealed

On December 17, 2025, a large-scale, coordinated wave of repressive actions against Indigenous Peoples and associated human rights defenders took place in Russia. On that day, Daria Egereva, an ethnic Selkup, was arrested in Moscow.

The name of the second defendant in this case was revealed. Natalya Leongardt is an experienced Russian human rights defender, Daria's colleague, and a specialist in supporting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East, with 20 years of her professional life dedicated to this work.

Natalya, like Daria, is charged with "participating in the activities of a terrorist organization" under Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code. This charge carries a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. However, a verdict has not yet been issued. The case is under investigation, and the court has so far only ordered continued detention.​

Natalya began her career in 2005, taking up the position of administrator at the Russian Indigenous Peoples Training Center/Center for Support of Indigenous Minorities of the North (RITC/CSIMNS). She oversaw the administrative and organizational implementation of approximately  20 educational programs. An important part of her work included international exchanges and internships—specifically, cooperation projects between Russian regions and Indigenous peoples of northern countries, as well as initiatives to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous organizations, including interactions with international partners.

"Many know Natalya as a professional - for many years, she consistently engaged in human rights work and supported the initiatives of Indigenous Peoples, who remember her fondly. Her work was entirely legal." - Aivana Enmynkau, Nuvuqaghmiit Indigenous representative.

From 2011 to 2013, Natalya worked at the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON), where she continued her work in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and developing international cooperation. She completed internships at UN agencies in Geneva and participated in international events, advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples at the global level.