Released St.Petersburg Street Musician Reportedly Flees Russia
ST. PETERSBURG – Street musician diana Loginova, recently released from a month-long detention alongside bandmate Alexander Orlov, has reportedly fled Russia, according too Ekho Moskvy radio, citing an unnamed source. The growth marks the latest chapter in a case that has drawn attention to the increasing pressure on artistic expression and dissent in Russia.
Loginova and Orlov, members of the band Stoptime, were arrested three times beginning on October 15, after gaining viral attention for performing songs by anti-war musicians during street concerts in St. Petersburg. Authorities employed a tactic of repeated arrests – a “cycle of arrests” as described by The Moscow Times – to keep the musicians in custody.No members of Stoptime remain in detention following thier release on Sunday, as reported by Fontanka.ru.
The arrests and subsequent release come amid a broader crackdown on individuals perceived to oppose the kremlin’s policies. Late last month, Loginova was fined 30,000 rubles ($375) for ”discrediting the Russian military” after performing an anti-war song by an exiled musician. A second charge on the same offense was sent back to police by a judge due to insufficient detail. Loginova has maintained her innocence.
Fontanka reported that police transported Loginova and Orlov from the detention center to another location to avoid questions from waiting journalists. Loginova’s lawyer, maria Zyryanova, confirmed their safety and requested privacy. The reported departure of Loginova underscores the risks faced by artists and activists critical of the government in russia.
