U.N. officials call for release of Indigenous climate advocate in Russia
Experts warn prosecution could deter Indigenous participation in international forums
Ten United Nations officials are urging Russia to immediately release Indigenous climate advocate Daria Egereva and her colleague, Natalia Leongardt, who have been jailed for six months on terrorism charges. According to reporting from Grist, Egereva, who is Indigenous Selkup and co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, and Leongardt were arrested Dec. 17 after previously participating in the Aborigen Forum, an Indigenous advocacy network dissolved by Russian authorities two years ago. The two could face prison sentences of up to 20 years at a court hearing in Moscow on June 11.
In a letter made public last week, the U.N. officials said they believe the arrests may be reprisals for participation in U.N. processes and warned of a broader chilling effect on Indigenous advocacy. More than 100 organizations called for the women's release during April's U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City, according to reporting from Grist. The International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change also voted to extend Egereva's term as co-chair until her release.
- 1.Anita Hofschneider. Grist, .
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