After the World Cup protest that saw four members of Pussy Riot arrested, almost released, then arrested again, the group has finally been freed.
Dressed in old-fashioned police uniforms to protest the country’s political and prison systems, the activists invaded the pitch during the final match in Moscow in July. Following a 15-day stint of incarceration, it has been confirmed that they are no longer in jail. However, according to the activist Twitter account they will still have to be in court and could face further sentencing and cannot attend sports events for three years.
At the time of arrest one of Pussy Riot’s most prominent organisers, Nadya Tolokonnikova, said the group has been charged with “the organisation and holding of public events without prior written notice” which can result in up to 10 days in prison.
During their time in jail the group published a list of demands to the Russian government: “Let all political prisoners free; Not imprison for ‘likes’; stop illegal arrests on rallies; allow political competition in the country; and not fabricate criminal accusations and not keep people in jails for no reason”.
They also released a new song, “Track about Good Cop” about oppressive policing. Lets hope none of this works against them in court.