Massive turnout at rare anti-Putin protest in St Petersburg as teen faces arrest for singing

In a notable display of dissent, hundreds of individuals gathered in Kazanskaya Square, St. Petersburg, to protest against President Vladimir Putin. This event stands out due to the severe restrictions on public assemblies in Russia. The crowd, predominantly young people, sang anti-war songs, drawing attention to their grievances with powerful messages.

Rare Anti-Putin Protest in St. Petersburg

The protest occurred recently, where participants performed songs that criticized the ongoing war in Ukraine. One particularly notable piece was “Swan Lake Collective” by the rapper Noize MC. This song has faced a ban from the Primorsky District Court since May, yet its poignant lyrics resonate with many, including lines like, “The old man still clings to his throne.”

Arrest of Teenager Diana Loginova

Among the performers was 18-year-old Diana Loginova, who sings under the stage name Naoko. Following her performance, she was detained by police, accused of endorsing songs by foreign agents. She had been performing with the band Stoptime when her performance was halted.

• Loginova was taken to a police station after the incident.
• The protest’s focus on anti-war sentiment highlights the challenges to freedom of expression in Russia.

Noize MC, whose real name is Ivan Alexeyev, has been labeled a “foreign agent” by Russia’s justice ministry. He has since relocated to Lithuania to escape the government’s crackdown on dissent. Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Swan Lake” has historical significance, symbolizing the fall of the Soviet Union.

International Reactions to Protests

This protest coincides with the UK government’s recent sanctions against major Russian oil companies like Lukoil and Rosneft. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced these actions, emphasizing the commitment to restricting Russian oil access in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that Russia should find a resolution to the Ukraine war to avoid further economic decline. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on Russia’s economic resilience and the leadership’s capability to meet their objectives despite international pressures.

Conclusion

This rare anti-Putin protest reflects both the increasing desire for expression among young Russians and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the government maintains tight control over public demonstration, moments like these highlight the continued struggle for freedom of assembly and speech within Russia.