- The Russian government has launched a criminal case against Pussy Riot.
- Founding member Nadya Tolokonnikova is wanted for a controversial NFT from 2021.
- The social activist group thinks the government charged them because of recent anti-Putin campaigns.
Feminist protest group Pussy Riot has gained much of its international fame through its provocative displays of social activism, often to the chagrins of the Russian authorities.
The band members frequently find themselves at odds with authorities over free speech and unconventional political expression. This time, the Pussy Riot’s founding member, Nadya Tolokonnikova, who left the country in 2021, is on a criminal wanted list for an NFT.
Blasphemous or Empowerment?
Amid the Kremlin’s efforts to quash political dissent, Russian authorities have put Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova on a wanted list for criminal suspects. The move comes after the government charged Pussy Riot for offending religious believers’ feelings, a criminal offense in Russia since the band’s 2012 anti-Putin concert in front of a Moscow cathedral.
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According to a press release issued by the group, the Russian government has cited a Pussy Riot NFT as evidence for the charges against the social activist. However, it has yet to specify the details of the charges.
The NFT, titled “Virgin Mary, Please Become a Feminist,” provocatively featured the religious figure as a female genital superimposed over the Pussy Riot founder’s arrest papers from 2012.
Nadya Tolokonnikova shared in a press release:
“Any truly political artist risks their personal safety for the sake of their art. It is not a new concept for me. They threaten us, but we cannot show fear. I will use the tools I have as an artist and crypto activist to keep fighting.”
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She noted that this could be the first instance of using an NFT as evidence to put someone in jail. Tolokonnikova alleged that Putin could be behind the accusations.
Consequences For Anti-Putinism?
In a press release, Tolokonnikova explained the Russian President is displeased with their campaigns, such as raising money for Ukraine and running anti-Putin art shows.
In January, Pussy Riot debuted an art exhibit titled “Putin’s Ashes” at a Los Angeles Gallery. Tolokonnikova burned the autocrat’s effigy and sold the ashes. The social activist group believes the gallery show could have triggered the government.
Subsequently, the founder speculated Pussy Riot’s efforts for Ukraine could also be a reason for recent charges. In 2022, Tolokonnikova raised around $7 million, selling a Ukraine flag NFT via her platform, UkraineDAO, to support the nation.
On the Flipside
- Russian-born artist Olive Allen recorded burning her passport before the Russian consulate in New York. Pussy Riot bought the footage as an NFT for 3.66 ETH, which equals $6,602, at press time.
Why You Should Care
The Russian government could use this case to target other social activists. It depends on how the case unfolds and the charges imposed on the artist.
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