“We did not leave by choice”: UN hears of repression and exile of Indigenous rights defenders from Russia
- André Ejankour
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
At the session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, activist Olga Kostrova, a representative of the Chulym people from the Tomsk region, delivered a strong statement about systemic repression against Indigenous peoples in Russia and the forced exile of their human rights defenders.
According to her, despite international obligations to protect Indigenous rights, the situation in Russia reflects the opposite:
“Human rights defenders working to advance this agenda are facing repression.”
Kostrova emphasized that the persecution is systemic and aimed at silencing any independent voice:
“The use of criminal law has become a tool to suppress lawful activism.”
She recalled the events of December 17, 2025, when mass raids and detentions took place across the country:
“Daria Egereva was arrested… at the same time, Natalya Leongardt was also arrested. Both face up to 20 years in prison for peaceful human rights activities.”
According to the speaker, at least 17 activists were targeted, and participation in international platforms became one of the grounds for persecution:
“This is not just a formal process — it is pressure. A way to show that no one is safe, that participation in international platforms can become grounds for prosecution.”
The most striking part of her speech, however, was her description of the fate of the defenders themselves:
“After the searches and interrogations, some of us were forced to leave the country. We did not leave by choice. We love our land and never planned to leave.”
“We do not know when we will be able to return home. Today we face a choice — freedom or safety.”
Kostrova stressed that such actions by the authorities are destroying entire communities, depriving them of voice and future.
In conclusion, she addressed the international community with a call for urgent action:
“It is necessary to stop the criminalization of human rights defenders, release Daria Egereva and Natalya Leongardt, and ensure real guarantees of safety.”
She ended her speech with the words:
“Freedom for Daria Egereva and Natalya Leongardt. Freedom for all political prisoners worldwide!”
Comments