Russian authorities have issued sentences to members of the band Pussy Riot, confirming charges tied to anti-war messages in their performances.
Five of the punk rock group’s members received prison terms ranging from 8 to 13 years, as relayed by the Basmany District Court in Moscow. Maria Alyochina, Diana Barcott, Taso Pretner, Olga Bolisova, and Alina Petrova were specifically penalized for their performances that criticized Russia’s military actions. Reports indicate that the verdict followed scrutiny of a December 2022 music video titled “Mummy, don’t watch TV,” which allegedly disseminated “false information” about the military. This information comes from Mediazona, an outlet associated with Pussy Riot.
The court also mentioned an incident from April 2024 where band members allegedly urinated on a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a performance in Munich, Germany.
Legal representatives of these members contested the charges, arguing that the trial’s motivations were political rather than based on legal grounds. Burkot shared his thoughts with Rolling Stone, explaining his contributions to songs like “Mama, Don’t Watch TV.”
In a poignant statement, one band member expressed concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine, insisting that “Ukraine must win, and Putin must face trial in The Hague.” They criticized the Russian government, describing it as a textbook example of a tyrannical regime, urging everyone to amplify their voices against it.
Barcott added emphasis on the importance of active participation to resist democratic crises, while Berkot remarked about the limitations the Russian government has on him, despite being declared absent from the country. Even if he were in Russia, he claimed, he would still express his contempt: “fuck yourself.”
The situation of the band further highlights the risks faced by artists and activists in Russia, especially those who speak out against the regime. Tensions remain high, and reactions from the public and governmental sides continue to evolve as this case unfolds.
