Very early yesterday morning, four members of the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot rushed the field of the World Cup final dressed as police, to protest Russia’s political and prison systems.
Now, the four protestors – Veronica “Nika” Nikulshina, Olga Kuracheva, Olga Pakhtusova, and Petya Verzilov – have been sentenced to 15 days in Russian prison.
A day removed from staging their biggest protest yet, four members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been sentenced to prison.
On top of their 15 day imprisonment, the four have also been banned from attending any sporting event for the next three years.
“It is a pity that we disrupted the sportsmen,” Kurachyova said.
“FIFA is involved in unfair games unfortunately. FIFA is a friend of heads of states who carry out repression, who violate human rights.”
Back in 2012, three of Pussy Riot’s original members were jailed for protesting Russian President Vladimir Putin inside Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
Putin was in the audience for the World Cup final, a game in which France defeated Croatia 4 – 2.
Croatian team members have blamed the protest for their loss, saying it occurred in a crucial moment for the side.
A new art exhibition is also set to be opened this August, paying homage to Pussy Riot with curated works from artists such as Yoko Ono, Billy Chyldish, John Keane, and No Bra.
Via Pitchfork.