Pussy Riot!

    This challenging, inspiration, and exciting group of about 11 women are a well recognized punk rock group that is was established in Moscow Russia in August 2011. The young women's ages vary from their 20's through their 30's and most chose to remain anonymous. They began their movement by performing their provocative music in areas that were not prohibited which ignited their fame on social media and throughout the country. Their songs are primarily based on women’s rights, the LGBTQ community, and their strong opinion towards President Vladimir Putin who is perceived as a dictator. Some of their albums are kill the sexist, pussy riot won't get fooled again, and XXX , which primarily contain feminist songs about opposition. Their rebellious nature has caused them to be arrested on multiple occasions. 

Members of Pussy Riot on Trial

   Their most well-known concert was when five of the members hosted an unauthorized event at the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012 which grew to be known as A Punk Prayer . The event caused high controversy and tension when they had to be stopped by the church’s security. The church has supported Putin’s elections which are why the group felt strongly about letting them know how they felt. Two of the members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina were charged with Hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, and were sentenced to do two years in jail while Yekaterina Samutsevich denied bail but was also sentenced to two years in jail. They were eventually released after many efforts including support from human’s rights groups including Amnesty International.