The punk collective Pussy Riot has been declared an "extremist organization" by the Russian courts, in a decision that further expands the government's persecution of voices critical of the Kremlin.
The measure, confirmed by courts and announced by the Moscow court on Telegram this Monday, the 15th, places the group on a restricted list under Russian law, with severe legal implications for its members and supporters within the country.
With the designation of extremism, activities associated with Pussy Riot, including shows, publications, campaigns, and funding, are now treated as crimes under Russian law, subjecting those involved to imprisonment, fines, and sanctions. This classification follows a pattern of repression against artists and activists who challenge official policies and discourse, and comes at a time of tightening of civil liberties in Russia.
Nadya Tolokonnikova, a member of the collective, posted on her No. X :
“In Russia, Pussy Riot was considered an extremist organization. The goal was to erase Pussy Riot’s very existence from the consciousness of Russians. A balaclava under the pillow, our music on the computer, or a like on our post—all of that could lead to a prison sentence. Pussy Riot effectively became people who must not be named in Russia. When we were tried by the punk cult, we told the judge and prosecutors that, even in a cell, we were still freer than they were. A decade and a half later, that remains true. I can say what I think about Putin: that he is an aging sociopath, spreading his rot not only within his country but throughout the world. If refusing to stick your tongue up your own ass is extremism, then what can we do? Let’s be extremists.”
Human rights organizations and international entities have already criticized the decision, stating that labeling artistic or dissident groups as "extremist" tends to silence opposition and restrict freedom of expression. For Pussy Riot, known worldwide for its provocative performances against political power and for defending civil rights, this measure represents yet another obstacle in its journey to confront authoritarianism.
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