John FM

Today Russian court designated Pussy Riot as an extremist organization. And yet, we're freer than those who try to silence us. We can say what I think about putin — that he is an aging sociopath spreading his venom around the world like cancer. In today’s Russia, telling the truth is extremism. So be it - we’re proud extremists, then. This court order is designed to erase the very existence of Pussy Riot from the minds of Russians. Owning a balaclava, having our song on your computer, or liking one of our posts could lead to prison time. Pussy Riot has effectively become “those who cannot be named” in Russia - and in countries that cooperate with Russia on extradition: Belarus, Georgia, Iran, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and many others. We wear masks because you cannot stamp out an idea. Putin may kill his opponents, but the world still does support truth, progress and justice over the delusional deeds of old decrepit men. The just people of this world stand with democracy, with the sovereignty of Ukraine, with freedom of expression and with a spirit of punk that is to stand up to the bad guy, even when he’s the one with more bombs.