A Russian rock star and a former opposition lawmaker were branded “foreign agents” by Russian justice on Friday for their support for Ukraine, in a fresh sign of a crackdown ahead of the conflict’s anniversary, AFP reported.

The names of Zemfira Ramazanova (“Zemfira” from her stage name) and Dmytro Gudkov now appear along with dozens of other people on the Ministry of Justice’s list of people considered to be “foreign agents”.

Zemfira is accused of “openly supporting Ukraine” and criticizing Moscow’s “special operation” in Ukraine.

The opponent of Vladimir Putin, ex-people’s deputy Dmytro Gudkov “demanded the supply of weapons to Ukraine” and “introduction of restrictive measures against Russia”, according to the department.

Both left Russia.

The infamous “foreign agent” label, reminiscent of the “enemy of the people” of the Soviet era, is used by the Russian authorities to suppress critical voices.

Such a classification forces people to go through complex administrative procedures and identify themselves as such in any publications, including on social networks, under the threat of a fine.

In 2022, the law on “foreign agents” was strengthened, adding new prohibitions.