Russian activist band Pussy Riot have sent out a thank you message to the countless fans, bands, singers, and figures who have supported them this year, following the imprisonment of three of their female members.
The punk rockers came to national attention when they were arrested after performing protest song ‘Holy Shit’ at a cathedral in Moscow earlier this year, challenging the church’s support of notoriously dictator-like president Vladimir Putin. During a long trial, they received global support - with acts like Bjork and Green Day sending out messages of support.
Now, in a new video (which you can see over at NME), they’ve thanked their supporters - and set an image of Putin aflame.
“We've been fighting for the right to sing, to think, to criticise,” says the band in the video. “To be musicians and artists ready to do everything to change our country. No matter the risks, we go on with our musical fight in Russia. Thank you Madonna, thank you Red Hot Chili Peppers, thank you Bjork, thank you Green Day…Thank you to all musicians, activists and everyone around the world who have stood up together to fight for our right to be free.”
They continued: “Our country is dominated by evil men. These men think it's illegal to call yourself a feminist, to sing punk music. These men think it's illegal to stand up for the rights of the gay and lesbian community. These men think that you can't criticise your government. These men think that if you sing and dance in an inappropriate way, you get two years in prison. Start the pussy riot and never stop. The fight for freedom is an endless battle that is bigger than life.”
Unfortunately, Russian police are still looking for two members of the band who managed to avoid arrest on the day - but they are luckily thought to have escaped the country.
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