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Moscow Court Declares Pussy Riot an 'Extremist' Organization

The closed-door ruling requested by prosecutors intensifies Russia's use of extremism laws to stifle dissent.

Overview

  • Moscow’s Tverskoy District Court issued the designation on Dec. 15, effectively outlawing the collective’s activities in Russia.
  • The decision followed a motion by the Prosecutor General’s Office and was heard behind closed doors, the group’s lawyer said, adding they will appeal.
  • The label puts anyone who supports, collaborates with, or distributes the group’s material at risk of prosecution, and members warn even online likes or symbolic items could bring penalties.
  • In September, five people linked to the collective received in‑absentia sentences of eight to 13 years for allegedly spreading false information about the military tied to anti-war art and videos.
  • Key figures including Nadya Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina remain in exile as authorities broaden the use of 'extremist' and related measures against critics of the Kremlin.