Supreme Court of Russia Upholds the Dissolution of the National Bolshevik Party
2005 · Moscow, Russia
The Supreme Court of Russia upholds the dissolution of political party National Bolshevik Party, recognizing it as an extremist organization.
Sentencing of Pussy Riot Members - August 17, 2012
On August 17, 2012, three members of the Russian feminist punk rock band Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison. The members—Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich—were convicted of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” following their protest performance at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Background
Pussy Riot, known for their provocative performances and feminist, anti-authoritarian messages, staged a “punk prayer” in February 2012 at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The performance was a protest against the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for Vladimir Putin during his presidential campaign. The group performed a song titled “Punk Prayer: Mother of God, Drive Putin Away,” which criticized the church’s political ties.
Key Events Leading to the Sentencing
The Performance: On February 21, 2012, Pussy Riot members entered the cathedral and performed their protest song. The act was brief but captured on video, which was later widely circulated online.
Arrest and Charges: Following the performance, Tolokonnikova, Alyokhina, and Samutsevich were arrested in March 2012. They were charged with hooliganism, a serious offense under Russian law, which was perceived by many as a politically motivated charge.
Trial: The trial began in July 2012 and attracted significant international attention. The prosecution argued that the performance was an attack on the Orthodox Church and Russian traditions. The defense claimed it was a political protest protected by freedom of speech.
The Verdict
On August 17, 2012, the Khamovniki District Court in Moscow found the three women guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. They were each sentenced to two years in a penal colony. The verdict was met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations, artists, and political figures worldwide, who viewed the sentence as excessively harsh and indicative of the Russian government’s intolerance of dissent.
Aftermath and Significance
International Reaction: The sentencing sparked global protests and calls for the women’s release. High-profile figures and organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the trial and verdict.
Appeals and Releases: Yekaterina Samutsevich was released on probation in October 2012 after her sentence was suspended on appeal. Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina served most of their sentences but were released in December 2013 under a general amnesty law passed by the Russian government.
Cultural Impact: The case highlighted issues of freedom of expression and the intersection of politics and religion in Russia. It also brought international attention to the Russian opposition movement and the role of art in political protest.
The Pussy Riot case remains a significant moment in contemporary Russian history, symbolizing the tensions between state power and individual freedoms.