While our
own rockers either luxuriate in their own narcissism, sell their tunes for TV
commercials, or complain all the way to the bank, in Russia punks are still
right there seriously risking life and liberty on the barricades.
“Three members of Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist punk-rock
band, began a hunger strike
Wednesday after a Moscow court suddenly told them they must prepare their
defense for trial by Monday. Maria Alyokhina, Yakaterina Samutsevich and
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were taken into custody in March, after the group's
February performance of “Virgin Mary Put Putin Away,” an anti-Putin song,
inside the Russian Orthodox Church's main cathedral, asking the Virgin Mary to
chase President Vladimir Putin out of power. The three women were arrested over
four months ago and have been held without bail on charges of criminal
hooliganism — which carry a possible seven-year prison sentence. Two
other female members of the band have avoided arrest thus far.
"I announce a hunger strike because it is
unlawful," said Tolokonnikova, wearing a T-shirt with the famous slogan of
the Spanish Civil War, "No pasaran!" ("They shall not
pass"), emblazoned across it. "Until July 9 is not enough (time) for
me. I think it is absolutely unlawful," she said in the Tagansky district
court. "I am categorically against it and I announce a hunger
strike," Alekhina also said after the court delivered a separate ruling on
her and another one on Samutsevich. As the case generates media attention,
activists all over the world are advocating for Pussy Riot’s release. Over 100
Russian cultural figures, including some known for pro-government views, have
signed a letter calling for the release of the trio. "We see no legal
basis or practical reason for the further isolation of these young women, who
do not pose any real danger to society," the letter said.”
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The secret
word is Courage
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