Pussy Riot

Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist protest and performance art group based in Moscow that became popular for its provocative punk rock music which later turned into a more accessible style. Founded in August 2011, it has had a membership of approximately 11 women. The group staged unauthorized, provocative guerrilla gigs in public places. These performances were filmed as music videos and posted on the internet. The group's lyrical themes included feminism, LGBT rights, opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his policies, and Putin's links to the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church.

2012

 * Members of the Pussy Riot burn effigy Putin as they vow to continue their 'musical fight in Russia (6 September 2012)


 * We’ve been fighting for the right to sing, to think, to criticise. 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 and our country is dominated by evil man. These men think its illegal to call yourself a feminist and to sing Punk music


 * This man thinks it’s illegal to stand up for the right of the gay and lesbian community.


 * This man think that you can’t criticise your government.


 * This man thinks that if you sing and dance in an inappropriate way you get two years in prison!


 * Thank you Madonna! Thank you Red Hot Chili Peppers! Thank you Björk! Thank you Green Day! And a gigantic punk feminist thank you to all musicians, activists, to everyone around the world who have stood up together to fight for our right to be free. Start the Pussy Riot! And never stop! The fight for freedom is an endless battle that is bigger than life.


 * Pussy Riot – Vladimir Putin Message. This man thinks that if you sing and dance in an inappropriate way you get two years in prison!

2013

 * When we were jailed, Pussy Riot immediately became very popular and widely known, and it turned from just a group to essentially an international movement. Anybody can be Pussy Riot, you just need to put on a mask and stage an active protest of something in your particular country, wherever that may be, that you consider unjust. And we’re not here as the leaders of Pussy Riot or determining what Pussy Riot is and what it does or what it says. We are just two individuals that spent two years in jail for taking part in a Pussy Riot protest action.
 * Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Statement onstage at an Amnesty International Concert presented by the CBGB Festival at Barclays Center. (6 February 2013)

2014

 * It's not a question of courage, it's a question of your development. Everything interesting begins with conflict.
 * Wired 10.12.2014


 * Putin's system is much weaker than it seems.
 * The Guardian 31.1.2014