‘Arrested for singing’: Russia’s case against anti-war teen busker stirs anger
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Diana Loginova was fined $500 by a St Petersburg court on Oct 28 for “discrediting the army” through her performance of an anti-war song.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Russian musician Diana Loginova, "Naoko," was fined 30,000 roubles for "discrediting the army" by singing an anti-war song.
- Naoko's arrest sparked support online and solidarity performances, despite risks, after prior jailing for organising an "unlawful mass gathering".
- Supporters expressed outrage near the court, fearing further charges; one stated, "This sets a precedent: someone being arrested for singing".
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ST PETERSBURG, Russia – Supporters of an 18-year-old Russian street musician arrested after performing anti-war songs in public expressed frustration at the legal case against her as she attended court on Oct 28.
Diana Loginova, known by the stage name Naoko, was fined 30,000 roubles (S$500) by a St Petersburg court on Oct 28 for “discrediting the army” through her performance of an anti-war song by banned Russian artiste Monetochka.
Since her arrest, a flurry of videos in support of Naoko and her band Stoptime have flooded TikTok, while other young street performers have expressed solidarity with her in public, despite the risks of fines or jail sentences themselves.
Before that, she and two other band members were jailed for around two weeks each for organising an unlawful “mass gathering” in connection with one of her performances outside a St Petersburg metro station.
Videos published on social media have shown her performing the songs in front of dozens of people, a rare display of dissent in a country where anti-war protest is forbidden.
Following her court appearance on Oct 28, Loginova was taken away in a car alongside police officers to an unknown location.
Independent Russian media outlets reported she could face more severe charges later.
“This sets a precedent: someone being arrested for singing,” said Seraph, an 18-year-old supporter of Loginova near the courtroom.
“Her performances inspired hope. I happened to attend her concert and sang along.”
Russia banned criticism of the army shortly after launching its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, and has detained thousands under this charge.
Another of Loginova’s supporters outside the court, 20-year-old Rimma, said she came to “support Diana and everyone involved in creativity”.
“Creative freedom was violated. I attended her concerts. The atmosphere was wonderful. You feel like you’re among like-minded people,” she told AFP.
Ivan, 20, also criticised the charges against Loginova.
“I came to support someone who was detained for nothing, just for singing,” he told AFP. REUTERS
