Pussy Riot Research Paper

Formed as an outlet to their beliefs and the beliefs of others, Pussy Riot protested in scandalous matters using tactics such as provocative language and performing in certain places, like the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where it would be their last performance. Although Pussy Riot broke the law to protest, they should not have been punished as harshly as they did for voicing their opinion against Russia’s government as there were people who had protested before and did not have to serve as much time as them. They were put in strict and intolerable conditions while the unfair trial occurred which later resulted in a long jail sentence for their protest against Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin. Since the very beginning of Pussy Riot, their intent was to protest against Putin’s regime and be the voice for those who were too afraid to protest. They wanted people to acknowledge what was wrong within Russia and its laws, such as the law that prohibits protesting, or the one prohibiting gay marriage, or the unfair voting happening
to get Putin to win presidency time after time. They had protested at several places including a prison roof, and the Moscow Metro, but the time where they would truly get stopped is at a church. When Putin subtly placed himself next to God on television by saying that, “God’s miracle, greatly aided by the country’s leadership,” during his campaign, it made Pussy Riot anger and make the lyrics that would ultimately offend a large part of the nation. With lyrics such as, “holy shit,” Pussy Riot went to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior where Putin had ties with the church, and sang on the altar. The title of Pussy Riot’s song was “Mother of God, Get Rid of Putin,” and soon after, Pussy Riot had arrest orders over them and they were incarcerated and charged with "hooliganism," a crime that carries a maximum sentence of seven years, compared to the slap-on-the-wrist any other protester gets. As the Washington Post mentions, if protesters are caught doing rallies or holding meetings multiple times during a six-month period they would get fined or up to five years of forced labor, not the seven for hooliganism Pussy Riot was sentenced by. Pussy Riot began to face harsh conditions even during the beginning of their trial for sentencing.
The women were put in a small plexiglas box with microphones and window just used to address the court. (Words Will Break Cement page 157) The witnesses used to confirm their hooliganism acts were workers from the Cathedral, some whom has thrown the girls out forcefully. (Words Will Break Cement page 158) The witnesses had not only been there, but they had a bias towards the church; they were false witnesses. Furthermore, video from the protest was not shown, and Maria pointed out how their performance was not an act of hatred, but an act of protest in the name of art. (Page 159) She continued to apologize if they had caused any disrespect, as that was not their intent. Moreover, Maria mentioned how authorities tried to coax them into admitting they were wrong and guilty to be released; this can be seen as a form of corruption. (Page
161)