Russian punk band Pussy Riot have launched a brand new track in protest over the battle in Ukraine and have known as for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be tried for his actions.
In a press release launched alongside the observe, titled “Mama, Don’t Watch TV,” they describe Putin’s authorities as a “terrorist regime” and the president, his officers, generals and propagandists as “war criminals.”
The collective wrote within the assertion: “This song is our statement against the war that Putin started in Ukraine.
“On February 24, 2022, Russia started a wide-scale navy assault on Ukraine.
“Russian bombs and rockets destroyed Ukrainian homes, schools, hospitals, wrecking towns and destroying lives.
“We imagine that Putin’s regime is a terrorist regime, and Putin himself, his officers, generals and propagandists are battle criminals.”
The group added that the song’s chorus is based on the words of a captured Russian conscript soldier who reportedly told his mother on a phone call: “Mom, there aren’t any Nazis right here, do not watch TV.”
The song’s music video features scenes from the ongoing war alongside the band rapping the lyrics while wearing their signature colourful balaclavas.
In their statement, the group issued a three-point demand, calling on countries to stop purchasing Russian gas and oil and to cease the sale of weapons and police ammunition to Russia.
They also requested for the Western bank accounts and property of Russian officials and oligarchs to be arrested and for personal sanctions to be introduced against them as well as an international tribunal to “attempt Vladimir Putin, workers of Russian state propaganda, military officers and everybody who’s liable for the genocide of the Ukrainian nation.”
The group is known for staging protests often against the actions taken by the Russian government and officials.
In 2021, the Russian Justice Ministry designated one of the group’s members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, as a “overseas agent” as part of efforts to stifle dissent.
The “overseas agent” label implies extra authorities scrutiny and carries sturdy pejorative connotations that may discredit recipients.
Tolokonnikova had beforehand turn out to be recognized for participating in a 2012 protest inside Moscow’s Christ The Saviour Cathedral, after which she spent practically two years in jail.
Fellow collective member Maria Alyokhina was additionally detained in Moscow in 2021 after protests broke out demanding the discharge of Russian opposition chief Alexei Navalny.
In 2018, 4 members of the group invaded the pitch throughout the World Cup remaining being held in Moscow to protest in opposition to police brutality, an motion for which they served 15 days in jail.
