My name is Rezeda Abasheva. I am a political refugee from Russia, a mother of two sons, and a former regional coordinator and staff member of Alexei Navalny’s democratic movement.

I am raising $12,500 to pay for the services of an experienced immigration attorney who is prepared to represent me in my asylum case. My individual hearing is sheduled on April, 16. Without professional legal representation, I face a real risk of deportation to Russia — a country where my political activity would lead to criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and forced separation from my children.

My Story

For many years, I openly fought against Vladimir Putin’s criminal authoritarian regime and worked in Alexei Navalny’s opposition movement. Because of this, Russian authorities systematically persecuted me through administrative charges, fines, constant surveillance, frozen bank accounts, detentions, police raids, and repeated interrogations.

After my husband’s death, the risks for my children and me increased dramatically — state repression only intensified.

In 2023, after yet another police search of our home, we were forced to flee Russia and seek asylum in the United States. I believed I was choosing the safest country in the world — a place beyond the reach of Russian security services. I did not come in search of opportunity or comfort, but for protection, safety, and freedom, trusting America’s historic commitment to defending those persecuted for resisting tyranny.

Why Legal Help Is Urgently Needed

Today, that protection has become fragile. Due to recent changes in immigration policy, my asylum case is under serious threat. I am currently awaiting the scheduling of my final hearing.

An experienced immigration attorney is essential to properly present evidence, file legal motions, and challenge the government’s position. I initially tried to represent myself, submitting extensive documentation and media coverage, but the court expressed doubts and even requested original documents for forensic review. I have already been assigned a third judge in my case.

Despite the fact that my case is currently pending in court, without legal representation I — like thousands of other immigrants — can be detained by ICE at any moment and placed in immigration detention, where the chances of being granted asylum drop sharply. Recent legislative changes have eliminated release on bond and significantly limited avenues for appeal in immigration proceedings.

What Deportation Would Mean

Deportation to Russia would not be a “return.” It would mean loss of freedom, criminal prosecution, and separation from my children.

Nearly all of my former colleagues were forced to flee Russia to avoid prison, and Alexei Navalny himself was killed in a Russian prison after three years of politically motivated imprisonment.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The $12,500 will be used exclusively for legal services:

• Immigration attorney services contract — $12,500

• Attorney representation at the court hearing — $2,500 no need more becous the hearing will be online

• Additional necessary expenses: court fees, certified translations, expert documentation

Whenever possible, payments will be made directly to the attorney or formally documented.

International Recognition of the Persecution

On December 16, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the perssecution of Alexei Navalny, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), and their staff was illegal and politically motivated.

I was officially recognized as one of the victims and awarded €12,000 in compensation — a decision the Russian Federation has refused to comply with, as it has with thousands of other political human rights rulings.

This confirms that my case is not an isolated story, but part of a documented campaign of political repression.

My Life Today

In Russia, I worked as a geophysicist, engaged in politics, and managed election campaigns. In the United States, I now work a low-paid job — survival leaves no room for pride.

I have no relatives here, no institutional support, and no financial safety net. I have only my sons and responsibility for their lives. My older son (19) is in college, and my younger son (16) is in high school. They are still grieving their father and the country we were forced to flee, but they are determined to study, work, and contribute to the society we believed would protect us. I, too, hoped to begin a new life without fear — yet as an immigrant, I once again find myself treated as a potential criminal.

Why This Matters

This appeal is not merely a request for charity.

It is about whether the values of human rights, democratic resistance, and protection from authoritarian persecution still function as real principles — or whether dictators are allowed to trample them with impunity.

I appeal to American civil society: please give me hope that it is still alive, that it recognizes the warning signs, and that it will not allow international law to be hollowed out.

I am asking for legality, protection, and justice.