Russian authorities are making an example of dissenting punk band Pussy Riot. But will a harsh sentence silence public dissent? Photo: 1Veertje
Update: On Monday 29th August, Pussy Riot’s trial began on Moscow. If convicted of hooliganism, the three band members face up to seven years in prison.
Update: On Friday, 15th June, Vladimir Putin signed a new law that will increase fines 150-fold for those who participate in unsanctioned demonstrations. The new penalties would be crippling to most Russians, with fines ranging from £5,000 for an individual to £19,000 for companies. For those who cannot pay, the fine is to be replaced with mandatory labour of up to 200 hours. Detained members of Pussy Riot will remain jailed until their 24th June trial date.
Update: On 22nd May, Russia’s lower house passed a draft bill that would increase the maximum fine for participation in an unsanctioned protest from 5,000 rubles (£100) to one million rubles (£20,300), while fines for organising an unsanctioned protest will rise from 50,000 rubles (£1000) to 1.5 million rubles (£30,500).
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