Members of the Russian punk band and activist group Pussy Riot were listed as “foreign agents” by the Russian government

Nadya Tolokonnikova and Nika Nikulshina of the Russian punk rock band and activist group Pussy Riot have been listed as “foreign agents” by the Russian Ministry of Justice. They are joined on the list by various journalists and others.

According to the regulations, a person listed as a foreign agent must submit a detailed report on his activities and finances every six months. In addition, their social media postings must include a mention of being a foreign agent.

Tolokonnikova and Nikulshina refuse to comply with the practice of having to flag their social media posts. Pussy Riot’s official Twitter page says, among other things, that “the government can label their asses if they feel like it”.

You can read Pussy Riot’s official statement on the matter below.

THIS MESSAGE (MATERIAL) CREATED AND DISTRIBUTED BY A FOREIGN MASS MEDIA PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONS OF A FOREIGN AGENT

two of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova and Nika Nikulshina, were added to the government list of "foreign agents" & required to start every tweet w this disclaimer pic.twitter.com/PSsa5HXyLn

— 𝖕𝖚𝖘𝖘𝖞 𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖙💦 (@pussyrrriot) December 30, 2021

OFFICIAL REACTION:

1. lol

2. we will not label my posts, the government can label their asses if they'd like.

3. we will appeal in court.

4. Russia will be free.

— 𝖕𝖚𝖘𝖘𝖞 𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖙💦 (@pussyrrriot) December 30, 2021