Russian investigators have made a request to a Moscow court to arrest Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, one of the founding members of the protest group ‘Pussy Riot’, in absentia. However, the court has rejected the request without providing a public explanation for its decision.
The request to arrest Tolokonnikova stems from a criminal probe into an alleged “religious feelings” insult. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the probe was based on remarks made by Tolokonnikova on social media, although the specific comments were not immediately clear. Currently residing in the US, Tolokonnikova left Russia a few years ago.
This is not the first time Tolokonnikova has faced trouble with Russian law enforcement. As an activist associated with the protest group ‘Voina’ and the feminist punk band ‘Pussy Riot’, she has been involved in several controversial activities. In 2012, Tolokonnikova, along with two other band members, was jailed after performing a “punk mass” at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, which was considered offensive by many religious individuals.
During the court proceedings, Tolokonnikova was found guilty of a “gross violation of public order, motivated by religious hatred and strafing.” As a result, she was sentenced to two years behind bars for “hooliganism.” However, she was eventually released under amnesty in late 2013.
Following her release, Tolokonnikova transitioned to journalism and co-founded the online outlet Mediazona with other members of Pussy Riot, including her then-husband Pyotr Verzilov. Mediazona has focused exclusively on Russia’s prison and judiciary system, as well as the alleged persecution of individuals based on their political views in the country.
In late 2021, Mediazona, Tolokonnikova, and other individuals associated with the outlet were listed as “foreign agents” by Russian authorities. The decision was based on documents received from authorized government bodies, with authorities claiming that these individuals systematically distribute materials to an indefinite circle of people while receiving foreign funding.
The rejection of the request to arrest Tolokonnikova by the Moscow court comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Russian government and opposition figures and activists. The case highlights the continued targeting of individuals who express dissenting opinions and engage in acts of protest. While Tolokonnikova may have evaded arrest in this instance, her situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who advocate for change in Russia’s political and social landscape.
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