#PussyRiot mobilized global support for the Russian feminist punk collective arrested after performing a “punk prayer” protesting Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (February 21, 2012).
Three members (Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich) were convicted of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” and sentenced to 2 years in prison (Aug 2012).
International outcry included Amnesty International naming them prisoners of conscience, Madonna wearing “Pussy Riot” shirt on tour, and global protests. Samutsevich was released on appeal; the others served until December 2013.
Post-release, members continued anti-Putin activism, protested Sochi Olympics, supported Ukraine, faced arrests/poisoning attempts. The collective remains active, symbolizing resistance to authoritarianism and Orthodox Church-state fusion in Russia.
Sources:
- The Guardian profile: https://www.theguardian.com/music/pussy-riot
- Vice documentary: https://www.vice.com/