An 18-year-old music student and band singer, Diana Loginova, has faced multiple charges and detentions in St. Petersburg, Russia, following a series of improvised street concerts by her band, Stoptime. Her band performed songs by artists officially designated as "foreign agents" by Russian authorities. The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings highlight an increase in measures against public dissent, occurring in a country where historical sites commemorate victims of past political repressions.
Background of Political Repression
In a wood near St. Petersburg, Russia's annual Remembrance Day for Victims of Political Repression honors those affected by events such as Joseph Stalin's purges in the 1930s. The Levashovo Wasteland is believed to contain the remains of 20,000 to 45,000 individuals executed and buried in mass graves during that period. Currently, Russian authorities focus on portraying Joseph Stalin as a wartime leader. In recent years, laws have been implemented to address dissent and criticism of the government and the war in Ukraine. Individuals who publicly challenge or question official narratives related to the conflict risk being designated "foreign agents."
Street Concerts and Arrests
Diana Loginova, known as Naoko and lead singer of the band Stoptime, organized street concerts in St. Petersburg. The band performed songs by exiled Russian musicians such as Noize MC and Monetochka, who are designated "foreign agents" and known for their criticism of the government and the war in Ukraine. Videos of Stoptime's performances show dozens of people attending.
Diana Loginova was detained on October 15, along with bandmates Alexander Orlov (guitarist) and Vladislav Leontyev (drummer). The three were initially sentenced to 12 to 13 days in jail for "organising a mass public gathering of citizens resulting in a violation of public order," which authorities claimed obstructed pedestrian access to a Metro station.
Legal Proceedings
At Leninsky District Courthouse, Diana Loginova faced an additional charge of "discrediting the Russian armed forces." This charge was related to her performance of the song "You're a Soldier" by Monetochka. The song's chorus includes the lines: "You're a soldier, and whatever war you are fighting, I'm sorry, I'll be on the other side." The judge found Diana guilty and fined her 30,000 roubles (£285).
Despite the fine, Diana Loginova was not released. Police prepared more charges. The following day, she and Alexander Orlov were brought to Smolninsky District Court, where they were sent back to jail for another 13 days for additional public order offenses. During their transport in a police van, Alexander Orlov proposed to Diana Loginova, and she accepted.
A Russian court in May banned Noize MC's track "Swan Lake Cooperative," claiming it contained "propaganda for the violent change of the constitutional order." The "Swan Lake" ballet has historically been associated with political change in the USSR, appearing on television during the deaths of Soviet leaders and the 1991 coup attempt. The term "Lake" (Ozero) is also associated with a dacha co-operative linked to President Putin's inner circle.
Public Support and Other Cases
Supporters of Diana Loginova and Stoptime gathered outside the courthouse. Alla, a supporter, stated she attended Diana's concert and wanted to show support. Sasha, another supporter, noted that displaying solidarity can require courage.
In Yekaterinburg, street musician Yevgeny Mikhailov was detained and jailed for 14 days for "petty hooliganism" after performing songs in support of Diana Loginova. Despite these actions by authorities, some young street musicians in St. Petersburg continue to perform songs by artists designated as "foreign agents." Recent incidents show police intervention and detention of band members during such performances.
Ludmila Vasilyeva, 84, a survivor of the Nazi siege of Leningrad, also faced legal action. After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, she conducted a personal protest, holding a placard that read: "People! Let's stop the war. We bear responsibility for peace on Planet Earth!" She received a letter instructing her to report to the police station for "discrediting our soldiers." Ludmila Vasilyeva declined to go, stating her message was on her placard. She was subsequently fined 10,000 roubles (£95) for "discrediting the Russian armed forces."