In a recent move underscoring the tightening grip on dissent, Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs has added lawyer Nikolai Polozov and journalist Alla Konstantinova to its wanted list. Both individuals, known for their critical stance against the Kremlin, had been previously designated as "foreign agents."

Nikolai Polozov, a seasoned lawyer who has a history of defending activists and marginalized groups in Russia, currently resides in Ukraine. His legal journey includes representing members of the activist punk group Pussy Riot in 2012 and defending Ukrainian pilot Nadezda Savchenko between 2014 and 2016. Savchenko was controversially sentenced to 22 years in prison following the annexation of Crimea, in a trial denounced by international observers as unjust.

In addition to his legal practice, Polozov has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts, notably co-founding the "Search.Captive" project in 2022. This initiative aims to locate and assist Ukrainian soldiers, children, and civilians captured during conflicts. His outspoken nature has not gone unnoticed; in December 2024, he was declared a "foreign agent," and subsequently fined for discrediting Russian military actions through comments made on social media platforms like YouTube and Telegram.

Journalist Alla Konstantinova, also listed as a "foreign agent" since 2022, faces a criminal case for allegedly failing to comply with the regulations tied to this designation. Konstantinova, originally from Karelia, has been an active voice against systemic abuses within Russia through her work with "Mediazona" since 2019. Her reporting has covered a range of critical issues including maltreatment in Russian prisons, problematic COVID-19 policies, and various human rights abuses following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The precise reasons behind the charges against Polozov remain unclear, while Konstantinova claims she was not immediately informed about the specifics of the allegations against her.

This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those who oppose or criticize the Russian government, particularly in the realm of human rights and freedom of expression. As the list of those branded as "foreign agents" grows, concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Russia continue to mount.