The Russian feminist dissident group Pussy Riot is facing potential designation as an “extremist” organization in a move by the country’s government to crack down on dissent. The prosecutor general in Russia initiated a case against the feminist art group on Friday, November 28, which could lead to a ban on their activities within the country. This designation is often used by the government to suppress political opposition and would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing persecution of Pussy Riot members for their anti-government performances.
Pussy Riot gained international attention in 2012 for their protest performance “Punk Prayer” in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which led to members, including co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, being sentenced to two years in prison for “hooliganism on the grounds of religious hatred.” Since then, the group has continued to push boundaries with performances critical of Vladimir Putin’s regime, resulting in further legal repercussions for its members.
In an email to Hyperallergic, Tolokonnikova expressed concerns about the potential “extremist” label, stating that it would give the government more power to punish individuals associated with the group. She highlighted the fear among photographers who have collaborated with her in the past, as they worry about repercussions for their families in Russia or Belarus.
The move to label Pussy Riot as an “extremist” organization comes amidst a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, with recent actions targeting LGBTQ+ groups and human rights organizations. Last week, Human Rights Watch was labeled as “undesirable,” forcing them to cease operations in the country. Additionally, the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation was designated as a “terrorist” organization, further restricting dissenting voices in the country.
Tolokonnikova raised concerns about the impact of this designation on supporters of Pussy Riot, noting that the law could be applied retroactively, potentially leading to the imprisonment of anyone who has ever expressed support for the group. She emphasized the government’s goal to erase Pussy Riot from the minds of Russian citizens, highlighting the broader implications of such actions on freedom of expression and dissent in the country.
The ongoing persecution of Pussy Riot and other dissenting voices in Russia underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to speak out against the government’s actions. As the group awaits the outcome of the upcoming hearing on December 15, the international community will be closely watching to see how this latest development impacts the future of free expression in Russia.
