Natalija Filonova

Natalija Filonova is a 60-year-old Russian activist and former educator who has become a symbol of resistance against the Russian government’s oppressive policies. She gained international attention for her outspoken opposition to the military mobilization initiated by President Vladimir Putin in 2022, which led to her arrest during a demonstration in Buryatia. Filonova was subsequently charged with violence against police officers and faced the heartbreaking separation from her adopted son, Vova, who was placed in an orphanage. A long-time advocate for children's rights and social issues, Filonova has been active in journalism since the 1990s, often facing government retaliation for her work. She was sentenced to prison in 2023, reflecting the harsh realities faced by activists in Russia.