In a somber commemoration at Levashovo Wasteland near St. Petersburg, names of victims of Joseph Stalin’s Great Terror are read aloud. This site is believed to be the burial ground for tens of thousands executed during the 1930s purges, a stark reminder of Russia’s repressive history. While official narratives now often focus on Stalin’s wartime leadership, contemporary Russia faces its own challenges with dissent. New laws are in place to silence criticism of the Kremlin and the war in Ukraine, with many activists and critics labeled as “foreign agents.” Victory abroad and conformity at home are the primary goals for Russian authorities, making any questioning of the official narrative a risky endeavor.
Meanwhile, at the Leninsky District Courthouse, 18-year-old Diana Loginova, known as Naoko and lead singer of the band Stoptime, faces legal repercussions. Her band’s impromptu street concerts, featuring songs by critically acclaimed exiled artists like Noize MC and Monetochka, have attracted significant attention. The authorities claim these performances obstructed a Metro station entrance, leading to charges of “organizing a mass public gathering resulting in a violation of public order.” Diana has already served 13 days in jail for this offense.
The music performed by Stoptime often includes songs by artists designated “foreign agents” by the Russian government. One such song, “You’re a Soldier” by Monetochka, which questions the nature of war and takes a stance against it, recently led to a court banning it for allegedly promoting “violent change of the constitutional order.” The song’s title, “Swan Lake,” also carries symbolic weight in Russia, referencing historical moments of political upheaval.
Diana’s boyfriend and bandmate, guitarist Alexander Orlov, also faces charges. Despite the legal pressure, their spirits remain high. Alexander even proposed to Diana during a transport to court, creating a touching moment amidst the adversity. Diana expressed gratitude for the public’s support and her surprise at how exaggerated the accusations feel, emphasizing that their only intention was to share music they love with a wider audience.
The story also touches upon the experiences of other dissenters, like 84-year-old Ludmila Vasilyeva, a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad. She was fined for displaying an anti-war placard, questioning the current conflict in Ukraine. Ludmila remains defiant, believing that speaking truth is essential and that those in power are more fearful than the public. Her sentiment is echoed by supporters who see bravery in Diana’s actions, even as many Russians remain silent due to fear or differing political views.
The article concludes by highlighting that despite the crackdown on civil society, young musicians continue to perform music critical of the government. Even on a chilly autumn evening, a teenage band outside a St. Petersburg Metro station faced police intervention after playing songs by “foreign agents,” demonstrating the ongoing tension between artistic expression and state control in Russia.