Two months after being arrested, this Indigenous climate leader remains imprisoned in Russia

Grist

by Anita Hofschneider

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A Russian court has extended the detention of Indigenous climate leader Daria Egereva, an advocate for Indigenous peoples' rights, until March 15, 2025. Despite international calls for her release, Egereva remains imprisoned on terrorism charges, which activists argue are baseless and part of a broader crackdown on Indigenous advocates in Russia. Egereva, a Selkup Indigenous woman, is co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) and has been a key figure in promoting Indigenous participation in global climate negotiations. Her arrest came shortly after attending the COP30 conference in Belém, where she advocated for greater inclusion of Indigenous women in climate discussions. Egereva's case has drawn significant attention from international organizations, including the United Nations (U.N.) and numerous Indigenous rights groups. A recent letter signed by over 35 Indigenous organizations and U.N. forums urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to release her, emphasizing her role as a facilitator of constructive dialogue between Indigenous peoples and state delegations. Her detention raises concerns about Russia's treatment of Indigenous activists, particularly following the government's designation of several Indigenous rights groups as "extremist." Egereva herself was involved with organizations like the Aborigen Forum network and the Centre for the Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North, both of which were shut down by Russian authorities. The U.N. has expressed alarm over her detention, highlighting the broader pattern of arbitrary arrests and persecution of activists who engage in human rights work or advocacy. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed that no one should face criminal prosecution for exercising their right to freedom of expression or participating in climate advocacy. Egereva's case underscores the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders globally, particularly those advocating for climate justice and Indigenous rights. Her imprisonment not only impacts her personally but also sets a concerning precedent for activists working on climate and human rights issues. The international community continues to call for her release, urging Russia to respect its obligations under international human rights law. Egereva's story highlights the critical need for protection of Indigenous voices in global climate efforts and the importance of holding governments accountable for unjust detentions.

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Originally published on Grist on 2/19/2026