Court of Cassation in Moscow rejects complaint regarding ‘foreign agent’ status of Crimean human rights activist and journalist Lutfiie Zudiieva

The Second Court of Cassation in Moscow rejected the complaint of a journalist from the publication Hraty and a human rights activist from the occupied Crimea, Lutfiie Zudiieva, who challenged her inclusion in the russian register of ‘foreign agents’. The hearing on March 19, 2026, was held behind closed doors – without the participation of Zudiieva and her lawyer, despite the submitted request for a video conference. The court refused without justified reasons, and the hearing itself took place earlier than the appointed time, which deprived the defense of the right to participate in the trial.

Courts of all instances agreed with the conclusions of the ministry of justice of the russian federation, which recognized Zudiieva’s publications in the publication Hraty, comments for international media and organizations RSF and CPJ, as “evidence of foreign influence”. A sign of ‘foreign funding’ was recognized as transfers from her husband, who sells agricultural products to foreign buyers in Crimea.

The journalist is accused of materials about the persecution of Crimean Muslims, torture, illegal transfers of political prisoners and the death of the father of imprisoned activist Iryna Danylovych.

The Ministry of Justice added Zudiieva to the register of ‘foreign agents’ on May 16, 2025 for ‘political activity’. She denies the charges and insists that she is only exercising her right to freedom of speech. Her complaints have already been rejected by three courts – Zamoskvoretsky, Moscow Appeal and now Cassation one. By June 19, 2026, she plans to appeal to the supreme court of the russian federation, citing procedural violations and the groundlessness of the decision.

The status of ‘foreign agent’ in russia allows individuals to be labeled for ‘foreign influence’ and limits their participation in state, educational, and political activities.