Today in Belfast members of Socialist Youth held a protest at the demonization and court conviction of three members of the Russian Feminist Punk band Pussy Riot who, today were found guilty of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” by a Moscow court. The protest called for the immediate release of Pussy Riot and an end to attacks on free speech and political persecution on opponents to the Putin regime. Around 20 protesters gathered at City Hall at 1pm, with some donning brightly coloured balaclavas to show solidarity to the Feminist Punk band who are well known for their distinctive attire.
The protest begun with chants of “Belfast, Moscow, Hear us Shout – Putin, Putin let them out!” and “Freedom of Speech – It’s a right, That’s why we’ll stand up & fight!”
Socialist Youth member Ann Orr stated:
“As opposition to Putin’s regime has grown into mass public protests, the group’s actions have become more explicitly political. The words of their “Punk prayer” are explicitly anti-Putin and anti-Church hierarchy. It is clear that they are not getting a fair trial. The judge keeps making comments against them, the prosecution has submitted another 200 pages of evidence without given their lawyers time to read it. Witnesses wanting to speak in support of the group are being rejected by the judge.”
