Pussy Riot is Free, But Their Fight is Far From Over

After months of international protests, intervention from global amnesty groups, and outcries from fans, Maria “Masha” Alyokhina and Nadezhda “Nadya” Tolokonnikova, a.k.a. Pussy Riot, were released from prison at the end of December. Pussy Riot, a Russian, feminist-influenced punk rock band, were originally arrested in March, 2012 for a controversial public performance on the steps of a Russian church. Now that Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova are free, they are continuing to spread the word in hopes of reforming Russia’s oppressive laws.

According to NPR, “Members of the punk protest band Pussy Riot were just released from jail after spending nearly two years in a penal colony for a controversial performance at a Moscow church in 2012, but they are far from done fighting,” of the band’s unflinching attitude towards achieving justice and equal rights in their home country. Since their release Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova have spent time traveling the world, visiting prisons to gain insights towards improving Russia’s prison system.

Enlightened by their time spent in a harsh prison environment, and empowered by the international fans that have followed their story for years, Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova are on a mission to raise awareness about injustices that face prisoners. “What we’d like is for other people who have this same kind of microphone – this celebrity – to stand up [for the disenfranchised] too,” says Alyokhina. The young women’s work as activists is far from over; it would appear that they are merely taking a different approach. Rather than retreat to quiet lives after their prison release, Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova are bolding standing against human rights injustices, learning, traveling, and spreading the word.

And what about Pussy Riot? Will Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova still be creating music? The two explain that Pussy Riot is more of an activist movement, rather than a band that credits its individual artists. As Tolokonnikova explains, “Pussy Riot can be anyone, and no one can be excluded from Pussy Riot […] Pussy Riot can only grow.”

Learn more about Pussy Riot’s activism and story on NPR.

Paul McCartney Implores Russia to Free ‘Pussy Riot’

People all over the world have been captivated by the public trials and subsequent prison sentencing of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina. Tolokonnikova and Alekhina are band mates—members of the Russian punk rock group, Pussy Riot. It’s been over a year since their infamous guerrilla-style performance on the steps of a Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow, but their sentencing of two years of imprisonment continues to gain attention on a global scale as an issue that violates the women’s human rights.

The band, which has had a changeable membership of as many as eleven women since its formation in 2011, is made up of musicians who are equally passionate about activism. The content of their music is controversial; it often makes commentary on feminism, LGBT rights, politics, and social justice issues, as well as their opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Since their initial arrests in March 2012, there have been thousands of people and organizations that have protested the treatment of Tolokonnikova and Alekhina; since their sentencing, the amount of people invested in achieving justice for the women has grown immensely. Other musicians such as Sting, Patti Smith, and Madonna have made public statements in defense of the artist-activists, and the newest celebrity joining the cause is none other than Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Following the hospitalization of Alekhina, who was being treated as a result of her hunger strike, McCartney reportedly wrote multiple letters to Russian Authorities regarding the women and their incarceration. McCartney wrote, "My personal belief is that further incarceration for Maria will be harmful for her and the situation as a whole, which, of course, is being watched by people all over the world...”

McCartney’s polite reminder that the global scrutiny surrounding Russian policy and politics is immense, suggesting that it would be in the country’s best interest to reevaluate the sentencing of Pussy Riot band members. Indeed, justice for these women is a common goal that people all over the world are fighting for. With more endorsement from influential people like McCartney, the band might expect to reclaim their freedom soon.

For more information on Pussy Riot’s sentencing and how it impacts a greater fight for human rights, check out Amnesty International's efforts.