20 May 2025

Occupiers Designate Human Rights Defender Lutfiie Zudiieva as a “Foreign Agent”

On 16 May, the Russian occupation administration added Crimean Tatar journalist, human rights defender, and civic activist Lutfiie Zudiieva to the registry of so-called “foreign agents.” This decision is linked to her long-standing work in the field of human rights protection.

For decades, Lutfiie Zudiieva has been actively engaged in documenting violations, supporting the families of political prisoners, and participating in numerous civic initiatives. Notably, she headed the children’s educational centre Elif in Dzhankoi — a place that has repeatedly been targeted by illegal searches and inspections carried out by the occupying administration.