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Following the convictions of members Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevich on charges of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred or hostility,” politically motivated Russian punk band Pussy Riot has been all over both blogosphere and the wider news world. The controversial two year prison sentence caused members of the group to flee in fear of further persecution.
The band’s struggles and ideals produced this stunning, short video, in which masked members of Pussy Riot thank fans, activists, supporters within the music community (specifically Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, Green Day), enumerate Russian Preisdent Vladimir Putin’s offenses, light his picture on fire, and call for viewers to “start the Pussy Riot, and never stop.” The issues Pussy Riot broaches are larger than their music (or subversive comedy of asking supporters to join in on the pussy riot) and the band’s continued battle against the Russian government is well worth following, even as shocking issues mount in America. Check out the video below.
