Marija Boncler

Marija Boncler is a 65-year-old human rights lawyer from Kaliningrad, Russia, known for her unwavering commitment to defending clients against the oppressive regime of Vladimir Putin. Despite facing serious threats and imprisonment, she has continued to advocate for the rights of those accused of political dissent. Boncler herself was arrested in May 2023, accused of collaborating with a foreign intelligence service, a charge that reflects the increasing repression of dissent in Russia. Her advocacy work includes representing individuals who protested against the war in Ukraine, and she has been recognized as a courageous figure in the fight for justice in a deteriorating legal landscape.