FREE PUSSY RIOT

by marzele

FREE PUSSY RIOT

The feminist punk-rock band Pussy Riot, like FEMEN, became known for their radical forms of protest. This band formed in August 2011 and consisted of about eleven females who wear brightly coloured balaclavas. Their lyrics are in support of feminism, LGBT rights and in strong opposition against Vladimir Putin, the Russian President.

Pussy Riot advocates LGBT rights even though the majority of members are heterosexual. This advocacy is viewed in a negative light by the Conservative Party. The morals and ideology of the Conservative party are linked to those of the church.

One of their typical unauthorized performances took place in February 2012 at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. They turned the live footage of the performance into a music video entitled Punk Prayer- Mother of God, Chase Putin Away. This song was in opposition against the Church’s support of Putin during the election period.

Two members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alykhina, were initially arrested followed by the arrest of a third member, Yekaretrina Samutsevich. They were charged with hooliganism and were sentenced to two years imprisonment. However, Samutsevich sentence was suspended and she was freed on probation.

The charges against the members of Pussy Riot attracted a lot of attention and so the Free Pussy Riot movement was born. The objectives of this movement is the demand that all charges are dropped against Samutsevich Tolokonnikova and Alykhina. It also demands the unconditional release of Tolokonnikova and Alykhina.

The severities of the charges have caused an unrest, especially in the west. Many celebrities including Madonna and Anthony Kiedis is openly in support of this movement. This case has successfully connected the music world with human rights as many were appalled  at this violation of Human Rights.