Hours after three of their members were sentenced to two years in prison on Friday for ‘hooliganism driven by religious hatred’ Russian feminist-punk band Pussy Riot released a new single, “Putin Lights The Fires,” which has intensified the international condemnation of both the verdict and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Three members (Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 23, Maria Alekhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29 ) of Pussy Riot were jailed following a performance of a “Punk Prayer” on the steps of the country’s biggest Catholic church asking the Virgin Mary to drive Putin out. In the days leading up to their sentencing, the group had gained the support of artists ranging from Madonna, The Scissor Sisters and Bjork. Amnesty and Human Rights watch have both condemned the verdict whilst the Russian Orthodox church has called on the government to show “mercy”. As the verdict was revealed last week there were protests outside the courts from Pussy Riot supporters, freedom campaigners some of whom were systematically arrested by Russian police, they were joined by world chess Grand Master, turned politician Gary Kasparov who was also arrested along with opposition politician, Sergei Udaltsov.
The Guardian compiled photos and footage of the group’s performance to offer a defacto music video for the new single, which can be seen below:
What does the outrageous sentencing of Pussy Riot say about hopes for future Russian democracy?What does their multi-coloured baloclava covered noise that kicks against an oppressive regime do to highlight the changes still needed in Russia? Also the power of music as a continuing relevant vehicle for protest?
