New Russian Law Criminalizes Searching for Pussy Riot Content

New Russian Law Criminalizes
Searching for Pussy Riot Content

https://pussyriot.love/

Still from Putin Zassal/Putin Has Pissed Himself, which is now deemed criminal to search online
Photo credit Denis Sinyakov, Courtesy Pussy Riot (download photos here)

On July 17, 2025, the Russian State Duma passed a new law (Article 13.53) that makes it illegal to deliberately search for or access online content listed in the official Federal List of Extremist Materials, which includes Pussy Riot audiovisuals from their actions. Pussy Riot’s inclusion in this law demonstrates how artistic and political protest is equated with extremism.

The law takes effect on September 1, 2025 and introduces fines up to ₽5,000 (~$55) for individuals who intentionally search for or open extremist materials online, even without reposting or sharing. The ban even applies to advertising tools (like VPNs) that help circumvent blocks.

In Entry #1944 of the Federal List by the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow (added in 2012, and upheld in 2013): "Free the Cobblestones," "Kropotkin Vodka," "Death to Prison, Freedom to Protest," and "Putin Has Pissed Himself”.

“Free the Cobblestones”:
https://pussyriot.love/2011/11/07/free-the-cobblestones/
http://pussy-riot.livejournal.com/8459.html

“Kropotkin Vodka”:
https://pussyriot.love/2011/12/01/kropotkin-vodka/
http://pussy-riot.livejournal.com/5164.html

"Death to Prison, Freedom to Protest": https://pussyriot.love/2011/12/14/death-to-prison-freedom-to-protest/
http://pussy-riot.livejournal.com/5763.html

"Putin Has Pissed Himself":
https://pussyriot.love/2012/01/20/putin-has-pissed-himself
http://pussy-riot.livejournal.com/5497.html

This new Russian law marks yet another “unexpected” step in ongoing censorship. Anticipating such developments, Pussy Riot creator and co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova recently launched the Artist Action Foundation and partnered with The Artistic Freedom Initiative, to fight the erasure of artists by authoritarian or pro-authoritarian governments and to preserve their legacies against censorship and repression.

Art Action Foundation strives to protect and elevate the voices of artists at risk of being silenced. By creating and promoting visual art and performances that champion democracy and progressive values, the Foundation aims to inspire a new generation, especially young people from marginalized communities and repressive environments, to embrace their identity and express themselves boldly.

About The Artist Freedom Initiative: Led by immigration and human rights attorneys, Artist Freedom Initiative (AFI) facilitates pro bono immigration representation and resettlement assistance for international artists who are persecuted or censored.

English language sources on the Russian "Extremist Materials" law:
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56512
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250717-russian-deputies-back-fines-for-clicking-on-extremist-content

More about Pussy Riot:
https://pussyriot.love/
Nadya Tolokonnikova - art, education, exhibitions bio

https://artactionfoundation.org/
https://artisticfreedominitiative.org/