We’ve mentioned Pussy Riot before, the Russian, all girl, mask wearing anti Kremlin / anti Putin band. We first wrote about them in Feb here then March here.
The second of those links reported how after a recent stunt in a Russian cathedral several members of Pussy Riot were arrested & they face up to 7 years in prison under a charge of “aggravated hooliganism”.
Despite one of the members having a 4 year old child bail was refused them. Fans around the world have rallied in support & on Sunday an event featuring Viv Albertine has been organised in London.
The event is at The Shacklewell Arms, 2pm till 11pm.
Apart from Viv Albertine confirmed acts also include Zoetrope, Female Band, New Noveta, Wars, Youth, Honeyslide, Skinny Girl Diet, Umez & Keebo.
It will require a ã5 donation & you can find further details on Facebook.
As is often the case with these things the best chance of a positive outcome will be if pressure comes from outside of Russia. As the Russian writer Dmitry Bykov said when speaking out about this case:
“In the Brezhnev era dissidents always knew they had support abroad. Now you are sitting by as three young women are effectively tortured.”
Meanwhile, in case you missed it a week or so ago Kathleen Hanna (of Bikini Kill) sent this message of support to Pussy Riot:
Ok ,they are arested, who will be next? Suspisious Todlers??
[…] Pussy RiotRussian Riot Grrrl/punk band Pussy Riot are to remain behind bars after a Moscow city court rejected an appeal for the release from custody […]