The Moscow Prosecutor’s Office announced that a criminal case had been opened against the rapper known by the stage name Noize MC, whose real name is Ivan Alexeyev, on charges of justifying terrorism.
Russian authorities accuse Alexeyev of supporting an entity classified as a terrorist organization and of using statements during his concerts that were deemed to legitimize terrorist ideology. The prosecutor’s office did not disclose which organization or statements formed the basis of the case.
Charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years
The maximum prison sentence for publicly justifying terrorism is seven years. No details were provided about which of Alexeyev’s statements formed the basis of the charges.
Alexeyev was also alleged to have worn a T-shirt bearing the logo of Ukraine’s Azov regiment, which Russia classifies as a terrorist organization, during a concert in Spain in 2024. No direct connection between this allegation and the charges in the current criminal case was disclosed.
Song declared extremist
A Russian court banned a song by Noize MC more than a year ago after declaring it “extremist.” The ruling said the lyrics contained propaganda aimed at overthrowing the Russian government.
Noize MC left Russia shortly after the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The rapper lives in Vilnius, Lithuania, and has organized charity concerts for Ukraine with other Russian musicians living in exile.
Foreign agent designation in Russia
Russia’s Justice Ministry designated Noize MC a “foreign agent” in November 2022. Russian courts later fined the rapper for violating foreign-agent rules and for “discrediting” the Russian army.