Face wanted: New pressure against Russian rapper

Face declared wanted: another blow against Russian opposition rapper

At present, another incident has occurred in Russia showing once again that the political situation is becoming increasingly dangerous even for artists. Famous rap performer Face (real name — Ivan Dremin) has been declared wanted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia within a criminal case, writes "Mediazona".

Although this decision is based on the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the specific article has not been disclosed. As identifying features of Face, his recognizable tattoos — inscriptions on the right side of his forehead and under the eye — were noted.

The search initiative came from a duty division in Bashkortostan. Interestingly, this same number previously appeared in the wanted card of the former press secretary of Bashkortostan’s administration, Rostislav Murzagulov. In July of this year, he was sentenced in absentia to 8 years in prison. According to officials, he spread “fake” information about the Russian army and violated the procedure of activities of a “foreign agent”.

Face has faced such problems before. After the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, he publicly condemned the actions of the Russian army. This stance led to him leaving Russia. In 2022, the Russian Ministry of Justice declared him a “foreign agent”. After that, his music was removed from streaming platforms.

According to TASS, citing law enforcement officials, the declaration of search may be related to a criminal case opened against Dremin for repeatedly violating the law on “foreign agents”. It is also stated that he has received five administrative fines.

Face is recognized as one of the most sensational and independent creators in Russia. His open attitude toward social and political issues, expressed through rap, made him popular among young people. But currently, it is visible that this freedom is increasingly being restricted in Russia.

The fate of Face remains uncertain. There is no official information about his whereabouts, but rumors are spreading on social media that he may be in Europe. His case is yet another sign of the direction in which Russia’s attitude toward art and freedom of expression is moving. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!