Russian Court Bans Pussy Riot as Extremist Group

Moscow's Tverskoy District Court ruled on December 15, 2025, that the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot qualifies as an extremist organization, effectively banning its activities across Russia and exposing anyone associated with it to potential criminal charges. The decision, which followed a prosecutor's request, marks a significant escalation in the Russian government's efforts to suppress the group, long known for its anti-Kremlin protests.

The ruling prohibits Pussy Riot from operating within Russian borders and criminalizes any form of support or interaction with the collective, including past social media engagements such as likes or shares. Court officials confirmed the designation after a hearing where the group's history of dissent was cited as justification. Pussy Riot, founded in 2011, rose to international prominence in February 2012 when several members staged an unauthorized "punk prayer" performance inside Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, criticizing President Vladimir Putin during his election campaign. The act led to the arrest and conviction of three members, including Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who each served nearly two years in...