A Russian court labeled the art group Pussy Riot as extremists. The Moscow court's decision, involving Judge Maria Moskalenko, formally bans the collective. This judge previously jailed activists like Alexei Navalny, Ilya Yashin, and group member Peter Verzilov.
The ruling follows years of legal pressure against members. Several, including Nadya Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, have faced trials or sentences while not in the country. Others were added to wanted lists or convicted in absentia.
Reacting from exile, Tolokonnikova stated that telling the truth in Russia is now called extremism. She called the country's leader a sociopath, spreading poison. A former associate noted the designation just confirms their path advocating for freedom and equality was correct.
The ruling follows years of legal pressure against members. Several, including Nadya Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, have faced trials or sentences while not in the country. Others were added to wanted lists or convicted in absentia.
Reacting from exile, Tolokonnikova stated that telling the truth in Russia is now called extremism. She called the country's leader a sociopath, spreading poison. A former associate noted the designation just confirms their path advocating for freedom and equality was correct.
