In Russia, it's punishable by law to look for videos featuring Pussy Riot, with offenders subject to financial penalties
Russian lawmakers have passed a new law making it illegal to search for videos by the protest and performance art group Pussy Riot. The four videos in question - Free the Cobblestones, Kropotkin Vodka, Death to Prison, Freedom to Protest and Putin Has Pissed Himself - were originally placed on the Federal List of Extremist Materials in 2012, alongside other forms of media like musical works, literature, films, photos, poetry, magazines, slogans, and websites.
The videos Free the Cobblestones and Kropotkin Vodka were also added to the list in 2012, following their performance in the iconic Red Square. Nadya Tolokonnikova, a member of Pussy Riot, stated that through her art, she aims to give a voice to those in Russia who feel unrepresented and silenced.
The responsibility for overseeing the new legislation lies with Russian law enforcement authorities. Fans can be fined up to 5,000 rubles (£47/$63) if they intentionally search for the videos, even if they don't subsequently share them publicly. The new law comes into force on September 1, 2022.
In 2012, Pussy Riot first gained international attention with their guerrilla show at Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, where they performed the song Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Chase Putin Away. This performance, along with Putin Has Pissed Himself, were also added to the Federal List of Extremist Materials. The exact date of the addition of these videos is not specified in the provided text.
It's worth noting that the Federal List of Extremist Materials currently contains over 5000 items. If individuals in Russia express dissenting opinions, they risk being jailed for long periods or being killed.
In a significant move against artistic censorship, Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova launched the Artist Action Foundation in 2023. The organisation is dedicated to fighting artistic censorship by authoritarian and pro-authoritarian governments. Tolokonnikova was later sentenced to two years in prison for her role in the performance at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
The video Death to Prison and Freedom to Protest were also added to the Federal List of Extremist Materials, but their dates of addition are not specified in the provided text. The video Putin Has Pissed Himself was performed in the iconic Red Square, but the exact date is not specified in the text.
This new law is a significant step in the ongoing battle for free speech and artistic expression in Russia. As the world continues to watch, it remains to be seen how this legislation will be enforced and its impact on the Russian people and the global art community.
