Moscow, Nov 10, (dpa/GNA) – Russian authorities on Monday, prolonged the detention of a street musician in St Petersburg, for performing protest songs against President Vladimir Putin.
Singer Diana Loginova from the group Stoptime, was due for release in the morning, after serving two prison sentences. However, she was immediately re-arrested, the OVD-Info civil rights website reported.
Stoptime’s guitarist was also re-arrested, and only the group’s drummer was released.
A performance in the centre of St Petersburg in mid-October, had included a song by exiled Russian rapper Monetochka. The lyrics say that “Swan Lake” will hopefully soon be shown on TV, an allusion to Putin’s possible downfall or death.
Traditionally, Soviet television has preceded the news of a head of state’s passing, by showing part of this ballet, and it has become a byword for governmental turmoil.
Videos of the evening concert in October show dozens of young people, singing along enthusiastically.
The musicians were arrested, and Loginova was handed two prison sentences for violating the right of assembly, and a fine of 30,000 roubles ($370) for allegedly defaming the Russian army.
Successive arrests are a well-known tactic used by the Russian judiciary in dealing with opposition figures. Charges for alleged serious crimes are often prepared during this period.
GNA