Sawt Falasteen - 'Arrested for singing': Russia's case against teen busker stirs anger

Diana Loginova, known by the stage name Naoko, was fined 30,000 rubles ($400) by a Saint Petersburg court on Tuesday for "discrediting the army" through her performance of an anti-war song by banned Russian artist 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 Saint 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 Tuesday, 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.

"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.

H.Jarrar--SF-PST