Press Release, 1.04.2026

The Yabloko branch in Tatarstan has publicly congratulated party activist and lawyer Sofya Fyodorova on the opening of Irek, a human rights non-governmental organisation. The word “irek” means “freedom” in Tatar, and the NGO’s founder explains that its mission is to ensure free access to rights protection across 43 districts of the Republic of Tatarstan that are effectively cut off from qualified legal assistance.

Irek already has several lawyers on board alongside its founder. They have pledged that the NGO will operate free of charge and focus on three areas: legal assistance (consultations, drafting complaints, and court representation), monitoring of human rights violations in the Republic of Tatarstan, and legal education.

“We systematically gather data on rights violations affecting the population of Tatarstan and pass it on to international bodies — your story will not go unnoticed,” the NGO’s statement runs. “Knowing your rights is the foundation of a just society. We will be launching educational projects aimed at raising legal literacy and helping you to defend yourselves.”

Sofya Fyodorova adds that Irek welcomes lawyers, volunteers, and representatives of civil society organisations “who are ready to help bring legal change to the Republic of Tatarstan”.

“This new organisation will be a true stronghold of justice, where every person can receive real help and support,” Tatarstan Yabloko noted. “Sofya has herself been through administrative arrests, court proceedings, and persecution. She knows the value of every court ruling. She knows the system from the inside — and, most importantly, she wants to change it.”

Those seeking assistance from Irek can already do so via the Telegram hotline @irek_help or by email at irek.republic.tatarstan@gmail.com.

It should be noted that Sofya Fyodorova was the applicant for Yabloko’s rally against Internet restrictions in Tatarstan (permission for which was refused — further details are available here: https://eng.yabloko.ru/37683-2/ ) and is the driving force behind numerous human rights initiatives within the party, including her ongoing efforts to resolve the Republic’s public transport crisis.