Monday, July 21, 2025

Potential Russian Law would Outlaw Internet Searches for Pussy Riot

Back in January, I got to catch Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot and wrote about it for US Rocker Music, which you can read about here. She does like to be a thorn in Russian President Putin's side as one of the highlights of the performance was Act 3's "Putin's Ashes." 

Nadya Tolokonnikova at the Honor Fraser Gallery
Nadya Tolokonnikova at the Honor Fraser Gallery

Though it isn't officially the law yet, a recent Russian bill would outlaw searching for Pussy Riot content (as well as other content such as songs that are pro-Ukraine). NBC has the following about the penalties within the bill:

The latest proposed legislation threatens fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($64) on anyone found to have deliberately searched for or gained access to material listed as extremist by the justice ministry.

More than 5,000 entries are on the list, including web pages, political slogans, books, artworks and music albums.

With concerns around online censorship of the creative community, Tolokonnikova founded the Art Action Foundation. The Foundation's (link) goal is to (via a PR statement):

. . .  strives to protect and elevate the voices of artists at risk of being silenced. By creating and promoting visual art and performances that champion democracy and progressive values, the Foundation aims to inspire a new generation, especially young people from marginalized communities and repressive environments, to embrace their identity and express themselves boldly.

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