Russia Seeks to Designate Pussy Riot as an “Extremist” Group

The Russian feminist dissident group Pussy Riot faces potential labeling as an “extremist” organization as Russia intensifies efforts to suppress dissent. On November 28, the prosecutor general opened a case against the group, with a Moscow court hearing set for December 15 to decide their designation. This “extremist” label, commonly used by the government to stifle opposition, could ban their activities in Russia, following prosecutions against members for anti-government art. Best known for their 2012 “Punk Prayer” protest, the collective, including co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, has seen members sentenced to prison, often in absentia, for criticizing Putin’s regime.

Tolokonnikova, living in anonymity post-prison and 2023 arrest in absentia, stated the label would deepen suppression, giving the state more power to target associates, even abroad. She revealed photographers fear being credited for safety reasons. The move aligns with wider crackdowns, as Russia recently labeled the global LGBTQ+ community, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, and Human Rights Watch with similar designations, curtailing their operations and criminalizing support.

If deemed extremist, Pussy Riot’s name will carry a disclaimer in Russian media, making any positive mention punishable under extremism laws. Tolokonnikova expressed concern for supporters unable to flee Russia, as the law might apply retroactively, erasing Pussy Riot from Russian consciousness and endangering those connected to them.