Moscow Court Delivers Absentia Verdicts
A Moscow court has sentenced five members of the renowned feminist protest collective Pussy Riot to significant prison terms in absentia. On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Basmanny District Court found the activists guilty of spreading 'false information' about the Russian military, a charge often referred to as 'war fakes,' and committing 'obscene acts' related to anti-war messages.
Charges Stem from Anti-War Actions
The charges against the five members — Maria Alyokhina, Taso Pletner, Olga Borisova, Diana Burkot, and Alina Petrova — were primarily linked to two key incidents. The first involved a December 2022 music video titled 'Mama, Don't Watch TV,' which, according to the court, contained 'false claims' regarding the actions of Russian forces in Ukraine. The second incident cited was an April 2024 performance in Munich, Germany, during which a Pussy Riot member reportedly urinated on a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lengthy Sentences Handed Down
The court imposed varying sentences on the collective members. Maria Alyokhina, one of the most prominent figures, received the longest term of 13 years and 15 days in a penal colony. Taso Pletner was sentenced to 11 years. The remaining three members, Olga Borisova, Diana Burkot, and Alina Petrova, each received eight-year prison sentences. These sentences, delivered in absentia, typically take effect if the individuals are extradited to Russia.
Pussy Riot Rejects Charges as Politically Motivated
All five Pussy Riot members, through their legal representatives, have unequivocally rejected the charges, asserting that the trial and subsequent sentences are politically motivated. In a statement, Diana Burkot affirmed her anti-war stance, stating, 'Ukraine must win, and Putin must face trial in The Hague.' This legal action is not the first against the collective, which gained international attention in 2012 for a protest in a Moscow cathedral and has consistently criticized the Russian government and its policies.
5 Comments
Comandante
This shows the Kremlin's fear of dissent. Unacceptable!
Bella Ciao
Urinating on a president's portrait isn't 'protest,' it's just disgusting.
Muchacha
These are just attention-seekers, not real activists.
Fuerza
These in absentia sentences highlight the severe restrictions on dissent in Russia, yet from a legal standpoint within Russia, the court is simply applying its existing laws. This makes challenging such verdicts domestically incredibly difficult, irrespective of international opinion.
Manolo Noriega
While freedom of expression is crucial, some actions, like public urination, might detract from the message rather than amplify it, making it easier for authorities to dismiss legitimate criticism. The severity of the sentences, however, seems disproportionate.