Crimean Tatar human rights activist fined for “abuse of freedom of speech”

A court in Simferopol fined Crimean Tatar human rights activist and journalist Lutfiye Zudieva 2,500 rubles under the article on abuse of freedom of speech. Due to traffic jams, she was several minutes late for the hearing and warned the judge about this through her defense lawyer. However, the judge considered this disrespectful and heard the case in eight minutes.

Previously, the Internal Affairs Center drew up a report against Zudiyeva for “distributing information about foreign agents in the media without indicating their status.” On her Facebook page, Lutfiye Zudieva posted a publication containing information about Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) without indicating that it was included in the register of foreign agents.

The human rights activist stated that only the editorial board or founder of the media, as well as the editor-in-chief or other official can be held administratively liable in this regard. She believes that she is not the subject of an offense and, as an individual, was not obliged to comply with the requirements.

Последние новости
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
Society
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
18 October 2026

Mixed martial arts fighter Ibragim Islamov, known by the nickname "Nikarkho," sustained a gunshot wound from a non-lethal (traumatic) pistol during an altercation in the center of Vladikavkaz. Two people were injured in the incident, both of whom were hospitalized. The North Ossetia branch of the Russian Interior Ministry has opened a criminal case, and one of the individuals involved has been detained.

Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
Society
Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
18 October 2026

On October 18, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of the Restoration of Independence. It was on this date in 1991 that the republic’s Supreme Soviet adopted a Constitutional Act, formalizing the country’s departure from the Soviet system and the restoration of its state sovereignty.

US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
Politics
US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
18 October 2026

American Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting took place in Yerevan on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
News
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
17 October 2026

On the evening of 17 October, a drone alert was declared again in several districts of Krasnodar Krai. The warning covered Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Abinsky, Krymsky and Temryuksky districts. Earlier in the day, alerts had also been issued in Sochi, Tuapse municipal district and Mostovsky district.