Tabitha Says

Free Pussy Riot, the Only Band that Matters in 2012 by Tobi Vail

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There is a political motive: three women associated with the group have been held in solitary confinement in a pre-trial detention for two months that was just extended for an additional two months. If convicted they face 7 years in prison and two of these women are mothers of small children. They are being charged with “hooliganism” for performing a song in Moscow’s biggest cathedral. It is my understanding that in Russia “hooligan” is a political term similar to “terrorist” or “gang member” in the U.S. in the sense that it changes the focus from behavior (a particular crime) to identity (who you know, what you stand for politically, how you conduct business, etc). I have the sense that this political delineation increases the likelihood that they will be tortured and/or unfairly treated by the courts, which are not independent in Russia. I have heard that support in the west makes a huge difference RE:political prisoners in Russia. But it is complicated because Putin discredits his opposition by saying they are working for the USA, so in that sense solidarity actions and statements should try to avoid perpetuating the simplistic duality of Russia=bad/repressive, USA=good/freedom of speech and focus on what we have in common with Pussy Riot - as feminists, advocates of LGBTQ rights, anarchists/leftists, people who value the separation of church and state/political transparency, people who oppose the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC) as a racist and violent institution, Etc.

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