Feminism, Rule of Law and Democracy in Russia
We are reading a collection of short works about Pussy Riot and their recent trial:
Basing their feminist punk style of protest on the Guerrilla Girls, the punk band/artist collective Pussy Riot and their ongoing trial for their 'punk prayer' protesting Putin has illuminated the state of Russian legal system. The dark comedy of trial, the pre-conviction incarceration the three women have endured, and some anger they face all illustrate what so many Russian activists risk if they are singled out. This shows how important it is to seriously consider the state of Russian civil society more broadly. The trial has also brought to the foreground some challenging questions about art as protest, and the commodification of artistic protest. Solidarity from
artists and activists all over the world means that the trial is
forcing a conversation about politics, power, and feminism at a global
level: and dialogue was the original goal of the group's action. But activists like Pussy Riot face an uphill battle. Many in Russia believe Russian women are already powerful enough in their femininity, and that they are past any need for feminism. But there are serious problems in Russian society that suggest otherwise, not least a problematic disinterest in violence against women.
Those of you interested in the historical context of this trial may want to look into the 1964 trial of Joseph Brodsky,
a Jewish Russian poet who was targeted as anti-Soviet. This trial was
also full of dark comedy, and apparently the PR defendants themselves
have pointed out similarities (thanks to Rachel, HRW's deputy director
of Europe and Central Asia for this information).
For even more background, check out the HRW page for latest news on human rights in Russia.
