Russian Musicians Get Third 13-Day Jail Term Over Performing Anti-War Songs

"The Lenin District Court found singer Diana Loginova, who performs under the stage name Naoko, and guitarist Oleg Orlov guilty of "violating regulations for public movement." The court denied a request from their lawyer, Maria Zyryanova, to summon as witnesses the individuals who filed complaints against the musicians, along with the police officers who compiled the case materials. Loginova, Orlov, and drummer Vladislav Leontyev were first arrested and jailed on October 15."

"On October 29, immediately after completing their initial jail terms, Loginova and Orlov were re-arrested and given new 13-day administrative sentences. Earlier, Loginova had also been fined 30,000 rubles (about $370) on charges of "discrediting the Russian armed forces," after performing songs by self-exiled anti-war artists. The human rights group OVD-Info has launched an online petition protesting what it called "carousel arrests," a practice it says often precedes criminal prosecution."

"A court in the Russian city of St. Petersburg has sentenced members of the musical group Stoptime to another 13 days in jail, local media reported on November 11. The band gained national attention last month after publicly performing anti-war songs in Russia's second-largest city. Stoptime has become known in St. Petersburg and across Russia for its performances of both original songs and works by other musicians, including late Soviet rock artists, to openly challenge the Kremlin's war in Ukraine."

Members of the Stoptime musical group in St. Petersburg received additional 13-day jail sentences after a court found singer Diana Loginova (Naoko) and guitarist Oleg Orlov guilty of violating regulations for public movement. A request to summon complainants and police witnesses was denied. Loginova, Orlov and drummer Vladislav Leontyev had been arrested on October 15; Loginova and Leontyev initially received 13-day terms while Orlov received 12 days. Loginova and Orlov were re-arrested on October 29 and given new 13-day administrative sentences. Loginova was also fined 30,000 rubles for "discrediting the Russian armed forces." Human rights group OVD-Info launched a petition against so-called "carousel arrests." The band is known for anti-war street performances and has drawn solidarity performances across Russia.

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