Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist punk rock group known for their political activism, staged a protest outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The group, consisting of Nadya Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, held up a banner with the word “MURDERERS” written in bold red letters.
Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on April 20th after being imprisoned for nearly two years. He was arrested in January 2018 for organizing protests against Putin and was later sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for violating the terms of a suspended sentence from a 2014 fraud conviction. Navalny’s supporters believe that the charges against him were politically motivated and that he was targeted for his outspoken criticism of Putin’s government.
In a statement released by Pussy Riot, Tolokonnikova expressed their outrage over Navalny’s death, stating, “He did not just die. He was murdered.” The group also accused the Russian government of being responsible for Navalny’s death, calling them “murderers” and demanding justice for his untimely passing.
The protest outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin was a powerful display of solidarity with Navalny and his supporters. Pussy Riot has a history of using their music and performances to speak out against political oppression and human rights violations in Russia. The group gained international attention in 2012 when they staged a protest against Putin in a Moscow cathedral, resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of several members.
Navalny’s death has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. The European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have all expressed their concerns and have called for Russia to be held accountable for Navalny’s death.
Pussy Riot’s protest serves as a reminder of the ongoing political tensions in Russia and the need for continued activism and advocacy for human rights. As the group stated in their statement, “We will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for justice and speak out against those who seek to suppress us.”
