Background and current status of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova in Russia
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, a member of the protest group Pussy Riot, has been placed on Russia’s federal wanted list. The action is recorded in the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and marks a formal request for her presence in criminal proceedings that are described by authorities as ongoing investigations.
Authorities indicate that Tolokonnikova is sought for a criminal offense, though the exact charge has not been publicly detailed by officials. In recent years she has resided outside Russia and has issued statements from abroad in connection with social and political matters.
On March 1, the Moscow Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case had been opened against Tolokonnikova under a provision related to insulting the religious feelings of believers. The initiation of the case was based on posts published on her social media accounts, which investigators say prompted the opening of proceedings. Reports indicate that searches were conducted as part of the investigative activities.
Historically, Tolokonnikova, along with fellow activists Maria Alyokhina and Ekaterina Samutsevich, faced legal action in 2012 regarding an act perceived as disrespectful toward the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The trio was convicted at that time, and Tolokonnikova served a prison sentence totaling nearly two years before her release in December 2013.
In December 2021, the Russian Ministry of Justice added Tolokonnikova to its list of individuals acting as foreign agents, a designation used by the government to label certain individuals and organizations connected to activities viewed as political or social influence abroad. This designation has been cited in various contexts, including international commentary on human rights and freedom of expression. The status has since influenced how Tolokonnikova is described in state records and in media discussions compatible with official government language. Attribution: Russian authorities and institutional records.