Feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot leave Russia after “constant arrests” that threaten their voice.
Pussy Riot started in Russia in 2011, gaining worldwide fame after rioting at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in 2012. Since their condemnation of the church-state symbiosis, the 11 member group has continued their public protests. This includes predicting Donald Trump’s win in the presidential race with a music video, and crashing the 2018 World Cup Finale in Russia.
However, the group have announced that one of their members, Rita Flores, was arrested “for no damn reason” outside her home. While in prison, Flores had caught COVID-19 and has since left the prison to receive medical treatment. However, she will need to return and serve the rest of her sentence.
Pussy Riot have expressed their anger at Flores’ treatment, and are also currently taking donations for members serving time. Pussy Riot have also announced on Twitter that three members would be leaving the country to take a break from these constant arrests.
Pussy Riot members are keep getting re-arrested RIGHT AFTER getting out of prison – how can we help?
our goal: raise $11k for 8 people who went thru arrests – it'll cover legal fees, food, medicine.
paypal: admin@voiceproject.org
thank you so much for your support! pic.twitter.com/a4pzSaRqD0
— ????? ????? (@pussyrrriot) July 12, 2021
This also follows announcements by the group that four more of their members had been arrested. This was hours after being released from their previous sentences, with Pussy Riot stating that “we[‘re seen as] protest[ing] simply by existing”.
Masha Alekhina, Sasha Sofiev, Ann Kuzminikh, and Veronika Nikulshina were arrested for “public hooliganism” and arguing with police. Alekhina’s re-arrest was posted on Instagram, with her representative stating “that she was detained near the house for obscene language and resistance to the police. [But] Actually (it was) at the exit from the detention centre, without explanation”.
Take a look at the video for Pussy Riot – “Make America Great Again” below:
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