In yet another act that hideously violated human rights, Cossack militia brutally beat, pepper sprayed and manhandled members of Pussy Riot, a politically active, feminist, Russian, punk-rock band. See the disturbing video below.
Pussy Riot is a Russian-based, punk-rock band made up of about 9 women. Notably, two members Nadya and Masha left the group. Nadya and Masha were two of a few members imprisoned for their rebellious actions. They were released from prison recently and in an odd open letter, the other Pussy Riot members explain that while they are happy for their friends’ freedom, they no-longer want Nadya and Masha to be involved in the political punk group. Read their letter here and check out Masha and Nadya’s reply.
The group has a deeply political message, calling attention to women’s rights, LGBT rights and the unethical policies of Vladimir Putin, Russian President. The women often stage impromptu performances in public areas, videotaping themselves and posting their artwork online.
The women were preparing for a video shoot in Sochi, Russia when police swarmed and beat the women and their male friend forcing them to leave the area. The women were dancing and chanting when one, unprovoked, male police officer struck one of the women with a whip. Then other officers descended, brutally tearing the ski masks from the women’s faces, pulling their hair and throwing them to the ground. The video, below, shows the women screaming, but unable to fight back and leaving the scene with injuries, including their male friend leaving with a bloody wound on his face.
The Cossack Militia is known for a military-oriented culture and strong belief system of traditional, Russian values. They often carry out their own duties without command but have been recruited as security patrols at and around the Olympic Games. The men in this video are likely part of that security recruitment and were therefore on official or semi-official duty while these acts took place.
The horrific scene took place in the past 24 hours and was taped by several people. The attention this video is getting from the media will hopefully prompt reform or give other powers the push needed to fight the unethical political conditions in Russia.
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