Russian Government prosecutes Pussy Riot over NFT art
The Russian Interior Ministry has added Nadya Tolokonnikova, an activist artist and member of the Pussy Riot feminist protest and performance art group, to their wanted list. This is due to an NFT art piece she created in 2021 called “Virgin Mary, Please Become a Feminist”. The NFT portrays the Christian icon with anatomical details of the female external genitalia.
Hurting the Russian people?
The Russian government has accused Pussy Riot of hurting the religious feelings of the people of Russia and has cited this NFT as evidence for criminal charges against the group.
The offense in question pertains to a demonstration staged by Pussy Riot in 2012, called “Punk Prayer”, held within a Moscow church, which resulted in the group facing charges of “hooliganism.”
As a consequence of these charges, Tolokonnikova spent a period exceeding two years in a prison camp. In response to this incident, Russia introduced a new law, commonly referred to as the “Pussy Riot Law,” which incorporates a religious aspect and under which the latest criminal case is being pursued. Following the 2012 Pussy Riot protest, causing offense to religious individuals became a criminal offense in Russia.
Can NFT art be considered a crime?
As per a statement released by Pussy Riot, it seems to be the inaugural instance where evidence derived from an NFT’s art has been utilized to prosecute someone.
Tolokonnikova asserted that the recent legal action seems to have been instigated by her latest artistic display, named “Putin’s Ashes,” which premiered at the Jeffrey Deitch gallery in Los Angeles in January and concluded ahead of schedule the previous month. She noted that the exhibit depicted a performance where a Putin effigy was burned, and his ashes were collected and sold.
Despite police detaining her friends and family in recent weeks, Tolokonnikova remains resolute and unafraid. Leveraging her skillset as an artist and crypto enthusiast, she intends to continue the fight using the tools at her disposal.
Founding UnicornDAO
In March 2022, Tolokonnikova co-founded UnicornDAO, utilizing decentralized technologies to amplify her impact. The initiative has raised in excess of $4 million to provide aid and support to marginalized artists and underrepresented groups within the Web3 community.
Tolokonnikova played a pivotal role in the creation of UkraineDAO, which sold an NFT of the Ukrainian flag for over $6 million to aid Ukraine’s resistance and provide relief efforts against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military actions.
She further stated that an open edition NFT drop with Shepard Fairey helped raise additional funds for a frontline unit in Bakhmut, resulting in significant aid being provided on the ground in Ukraine. She added that this aid saved lives during the first few days of the war.
Fighting against the KGB
Tolokonnikova’s art and activism have made her a target for the Russian government, which has a track record of suppressing dissidents. The Associated Press reviewed Tolokonnikova’s entry in the Russian Interior Ministry database, which indicates the government’s scrutiny of her activities. The employment of the Pussy Riot Law by the Russian government to stifle opposing voices has drawn global condemnation from human rights activists and organizations.
Undaunted by the situation, Tolokonnikova affirms that she is an artist, not a soldier, and that art is her weapon. She notes that the latest criminal charges against her indicate the Russian government is intimidated, which is an encouraging sign for the opposition movement. “Although they intimidate us, we cannot reveal any fear,” she remarked. “It is good to see that they are afraid.”
This latest case underscores the increasing influence of NFTs and their ability to voice political dissent and challenge authoritarian governments.
