Mekhriban Lukinskaya is a political prisoner

A resident of Ryazan has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on a charge of collusion with Ukrainian intelligence

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Mekhriban Lukinskaya a political prisoner. Lukinskaya was convicted on a charge of ‘collusion with a representative of a foreign state for the purpose of assisting in activities knowingly directed against the security of the Russian Federation.’ Lukinskaya’s prosecution and conviction violated her right to a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Lukinskaya and that all criminal charges against her be dropped.

What were the charges against Mekhriban Lukinskaya?

Mekhriban Lukinskaya, a 55-year-old native of Baku who lived in Ryazan, having previously worked in manufacturing in 2019 set up her own company selling building materials.

Lukinskaya was charged with ‘collusion with a representative of a foreign state for the purpose of assisting in activities knowingly directed against the security of the Russian Federation’ (Article 275.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Lukinskaya allegedly initiated contact with a Ukrainian intelligence agency and then ‘attempted to obtain intelligence information.’

On 18 August 2025, Lukinskaya was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Why do we consider Mekhriban Lukinskaya a political prisoner?

The offence of ‘collusion’ was added to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in July 2022. It has since become yet another tool in the regime’s fight against so-called ‘internal enemies.’ The provisions of this law do not comply with the principle of legal certainty. In essence, the law serves to criminalise any communication between Russians and foreigners, penalising not specific actions, but merely an alleged intention to ‘facilitate’ an undefined ‘activity.’

The law on ‘collusion’ must be rescinded, all related convictions quashed and ongoing prosecutions dropped.

It is not publicly known what information Lukinskaya allegedly ‘attempted to obtain.’ However, if her actions had indeed posed a threat to the public interest and the investigative authorities had had sufficient evidence of her guilt, she would have been charged with a different offence.

The Russian security services use the law on ‘collusion’ to intimidate society while avoiding the need to prove the guilt of the accused.

A detailed description of Mekhriban Lukinskaya’s case and of our position is available on our website.

How can you help?

If you have information as to where Mekhriban Lukinskaya is being held, please email us at: [email protected]. 

You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.