Repression and a “Holiday”: The Aborigen Forum Case Enters the International Agenda

Sevr Nuu

On the popular YouTube channel "The Breakfast Show", a recent broadcast discussed the persecution of Indigenous rights defenders in Russia. The topic was raised within a broader agenda that also covered the war in Ukraine, domestic politics, pressure on civil society, and the increasing use of criminal prosecution against activists.

A separate segment of the program focused on the Aborigen Forum—an expert community that brought together activists and defenders of Indigenous rights. The discussion begins at 1:18:00.

What happened on December 17?

As noted during the broadcast, on December 17, 2025, a large-scale wave of searches, detentions, and interrogations took place across Russia targeting human rights defenders and experts associated with the Aborigen Forum.

Criminal cases were subsequently opened under “terrorism” and “extremism” charges. These were based on a court ruling that classified the Aborigen Forum as a structural subdivision of the Forum of Free States of Post-Russia, which had previously been designated as a terrorist organization. Human rights advocates argue that this decision represents a legal manipulation aimed at criminalizing peaceful and previously lawful activities.

“Indigenous Peoples Day” amid criminal cases

Paradoxically, on April 30, Russia’s northern regions are marking, for the first time on a wide scale, the “Day of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples.” The new federal holiday was established by decree of Vladimir Putin and is intended to highlight the contribution of Indigenous peoples to the country’s cultural diversity, their traditional way of life, their connection to nature, and their historical heritage.

Such occasions are typically accompanied by cultural events, festivals, educational programs, and official statements expressing support for Indigenous communities.

This year, however, the celebratory narrative stands in stark contrast to the current reality.

Court decision on the eve of the holiday

Just one day earlier, on April 29, the Moscow City Court reviewed appeals filed by the defense in the case of Indigenous rights defenders Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.

Lawyers requested that their pre-trial detention be replaced with house arrest, but the court upheld the previous ruling. As a result, Egereva and Leongardt will remain in custody at least until mid-June.

Both women were arrested following the events of December 17 and are charged in connection with the Aborigen Forum. They are accused of participation in a “terrorist organization,” despite the fact that their work had previously been public and focused on human rights advocacy. It is also reported that nine members of the expert community, along with their lawyers, were forced to leave Russia after the searches and interrogations.

Between symbolism and reality

The situation has taken on a symbolic dimension: at the very moment when the state officially emphasizes recognition of Indigenous peoples, their representatives and defenders are facing criminal prosecution.

Discussion on international platforms — from media to UN structures — shows that the Aborigen Forum case is no longer confined to Russia’s domestic agenda. It has become part of a broader global debate on the limits of pressure on civil society and the future of Indigenous participation in international processes.

Against this backdrop, the new “holiday” carries a particularly ambiguous meaning.

Free Daria and Natalia!