MOSCOW (Reuters), – Russia has designated a Pussy Riot member, a famous art collector and satirist, as “foreign agents”. This is the latest move in a string of actions critics claim are meant to suppress dissent.

Russian authorities have closed Memorial International, the oldest and most prominent human rights organization in the country, after a year of criticizing the Kremlin.

Alexei Navalny was also jailed in 2021, making him the Kremlin’s most critical critic. His movement was banned. Many of his comrades were forced to flee.

According to the government, it enforces laws in order to prevent extremism from spreading and protect its country against what it calls malign foreign influence.

Russia’s Justice Ministry added Nadezhda Tulokonnikova of Pussy Riot and Marat Gelman (art collector), satirist, and Kremlin critic Viktor Shenderovich to their list of foreign agents. The total number of names has grown from 17 to 111 as of the end of 2020 to now include five additional people.

Foreign agent has negative Soviet-era connotations. It also subjects the listed individuals to strict financial reporting requirements. They are also required to include a statement disclaiming that they are foreign agents in any publication they make.

Shenderovich, one of Russia’s best-known satirists is most well known for his political cartoon puppet show that was televised in 1990s.

Tolokonnikova is the one who helped to launch Pussy Riot. The group was known for several provocative performances, such as protests against Russian Orthodox Church leaders.

Additionally, she is one of the founders Mediazona (an independent news outlet) which was also dubbed “foreign agents” in September.

Mediazona announced Thursday that the justice ministry has placed it on the “foreign agent” list and received money from Google (NASDAQ) advertisements.

Many media outlets complain that “foreign agents” disclaimers can be used to deface their products, which could severely dent advertising revenue.

Numerous Russian media outlets carrying the label closed down, as it became nearly impossible to find advertisers and sponsors.

According to the Kremlin, media don’t face persecution. They say the law is necessary in order to safeguard Russia against foreign interference and journalists can manipulate it.