A group of young Russian street musicians from the band Stoptime has been handed additional jail sentences after performing songs critical of the Kremlin. The musicians gained massive attention on social media earlier this month when videos of their street performance went viral, sparking a wave of solidarity performances across Russia.
Authorities in St. Petersburg arrested the group after they performed “Swan Lake Cooperative” — a politically charged track by exiled rapper Noize MC, known for his outspoken opposition to the Kremlin. The performance took place on a busy public street and quickly drew large crowds and online support.
“The power of music is important, and what is happening now proves it,” said the group’s 18-year-old vocalist, Diana Loginova, speaking to reporters before her court hearing on Wednesday.
Viral Performance Sparks Nationwide Support
The performance on Nevsky Prospekt, one of St. Petersburg’s main streets, inspired other young musicians across cities like Moscow and Yekaterinburg to perform similar protest songs. However, Russian authorities swiftly responded, detaining several of these street artists and charging them with minor public order violations.
Despite growing restrictions, these young musicians have become symbols of peaceful resistance through art, highlighting how even small acts of musical expression are being criminalized in modern Russia.
Song Ban and Kremlin Crackdown
In May, Russia officially banned “Swan Lake Cooperative”, claiming that the song promoted “violent changes to the foundation of the constitutional order” and carried “hateful attitudes towards people.” Although the lyrics do not explicitly reference President Vladimir putin or the Ukraine conflict, authorities viewed it as an attack on the government.
Russia has seen an increase in censorship since the Ukraine invasion, with long prison terms often handed out for even the mildest criticism of the Kremlin’s actions.
Harsh Sentences for Young Performers
During Wednesday’s hearing, Diana Loginova was sentenced to 13 days in jail for “petty hooliganism.” She had already served a previous 13-day term earlier this month for her participation in the same performance and was fined 30,000 roubles ($369) on Tuesday for performing another banned song by a different anti-Kremlin artist.
The band’s drummer, Vladislav Leontyev, now faces a new administrative charge, while guitarist Alexander Orlov was sentenced to 13 days in prison for “unlawfully organizing a public gathering.” Both musicians had previously spent brief periods in detention this month for similar offenses.
| Band Member | Role | Charge | Sentence/Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diana Loginova | Vocalist | Petty hooliganism | 13 days in jail + 30,000 rouble fine |
| Vladislav Leontyev | Drummer | New administrative offense | Awaiting sentence |
| Alexander Orlov | Guitarist | Unlawfully organizing gathering | 13 days in jail |
Symbol of a New Generation’s Resistance
Despite the growing repression, many view Stoptime’s defiance as emblematic of a new generation of Russians unwilling to remain silent. “We are dealing with a whole generation of people who refuse to put up with what is happening,” said an independent analyst speaking to Dozhd (TV Rain) — a banned Russian news outlet now operating from Amsterdam.
The case of Stoptime has become a stark reminder of how far Russian authorities will go to suppress dissent. Even music, once a universal form of expression, has now become a battleground for freedom of speech in modern-day Russia.
Conclusion
The jailing of young street musicians for singing anti-Kremlin songs underscores the tightening grip of censorship in Russia. As the global spotlight grows on these artists, their courage continues to inspire others — showing that even in a repressive environment, art and music remain powerful tools of resistance.
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