Russian government officially classifies Pussy Riot as extremist organisation

The Russian Ministry of Justice has officially classified performance art collective Pussy Riot as an extremist organisation and banned any of its activities in Russia.

Judge Maria Moskalenko made the announcement at Moscow’s Tverskoy Court today. Moskalenko previously imprisoned Pussy Riot spokesperson Peter Verzilov along with Russian opposition leaders Alexei Navalny and Ilya Yashin in 2011.

"We're freer than those who try to silence us," said Pussy Riot in a statement.

"In today’s Russia, telling the truth is extremism. So be it - we’re proud extremists, then."

Former Pussy Riot member Alexey Knedlyakovsky described the "extremist" designation as "an important event" in a statement.

"It’s not every day that an 'organisation' you remember from its infancy, and to which you devoted so much strength and time, is declared extremist," Knedlyakovsky said.

"It can mean only one thing: I was extremely right to choose this path — the path of traditional human values: freedom, love, and equality."

Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova was added to Russia's wanted list and arrested in absentia in 2023, while five other members were handed jail sentences in absentia earlier this year. Other members have been labelled foreign agents and terrorists, or have been added to wanted lists.

This is the first time the group as a whole has faced an official designation of extremism.

The charges relate to their performances, criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin's government and Russia's war against Ukraine.

"This court order is designed to erase the very existence of Pussy Riot from the minds of Russians...and also to sow fear among our allies outside Russia," Pussy Riot said.

"We wear masks because you cannot stamp out an idea. Putin may kill his opponents, but the world still does support truth, progress and justice over the delusional deeds of old decrepit men.

"The just people of this world stand with democracy, with the sovereignty of Ukraine, with freedom of expression and with a spirit of punk that is to stand up to the bad guy, even when he’s the one with more bombs."

 

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In 2012, Tolokonnikova and other members of Pussy Riot performed their "Punk Prayer" protest in which they entered the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, danced on the altar and asked Mother Mary to rid Russia of Putin.

As a result, Tolokonnikova and two fellow Pussy Riot members were convicted of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" and faced imprisonment for up to seven years in a penal colony. Punk Prayer was named one of the greatest works of art of the 21st century by The Guardian.

"When I was tried for the Punk Prayer, facing seven years in a labor camp, I told the judge and prosecutors that I was still freer than they would ever be," said Tolokonnikova in a statement today.

"Today, exiled from my own country, I still feel the same."

A Russian law that came into force earlier this year made searching for certain music videos by Pussy Riot illegal, deeming them as “extremist content.” Owning Pussy Riot's signature balaclavas or engaging with their social media is also illegal in Russia.

In a post on Instagram this afternoon, Tolokonnikova discussed how "a balaclava under the pillow, our song on the computer or a like on our post" could lead to prison time but added, "as with everything else, context is important and it is important to consider risks."

"If you are in Russia or another unsafe country, do not like my posts or the group's posts, do not leave comments and do not share information mentioning Pussy Riot," said Tolokonnikova in Russian.

"Let's not make it easier for the ghouls. This doesn't mean remaining silent; it means not contributing to the system. If you're involved with Pussy Riot and need help, please contact me. I don't have much power or authority, but maybe I can help."

 

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Last week, Tolokonnikova appeared on American political commentary series The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss Pussy Riot's work.

On the show, Tolokonnikova explained the censorship laws surrounding Pussy Riot and gifted host Maddow a balaclava, saying, "I wanted to give you this mask, so you can be an extremist as well."

 

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