Cohen, Cardin, Blumenthal, Murphy, Flake Welcome Members of Pussy Riot to the Capitol
[WASHINGTON, DC] – On the second anniversary of the Russian Government’s crackdown on Bolotnaya Square protests in Moscow, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined fellow members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as well as U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) in meeting with and welcoming to the U.S. Capitol Nadya Tolokonnikova and Maria [Masha] Alyokhina of the Russian protest group Pussy Riot. The women, who have experienced firsthand the harsh and political nature of Russia’s judicial system, are visiting Washington to highlight the need for prompt, full and ongoing implementation of the Magnitsky Act. Video of Congressman Cohen’s remarks after the meeting is available here.
“Nadya and Maria of Pussy Riot are indeed heroes to their people and to people around the globe,” said Congressman Cohen. “They stood in the face of danger, and they were imprisoned for their beliefs. They have risked their lives and liberty for things we enjoy but often take for granted like free speech. As we reflect upon their courage, our nation should show similar resolve when it comes to defending and protecting human rights and free speech throughout the world. We must stand up against violations wherever they occur and do everything in our power to ensure that all human beings have the same rights we in this country enjoy: the rights to free speech, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Pussy Riot is not a rock band, but rather a feminist punk protest group. They do not give concerts, but stage provocative performances in public locations, one of which led to the arrest of Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina on charges of hooliganism for which they served two years in prison. Upon their release they immediately focused their advocacy work on those—like Sergei Magnitsky—who suffer and die all too often in Russia’s vast penal system.