Maria Alyokhina, a leading member of the Russian feminist collective Pussy Riot, confronted intensified pressure from the Kremlin as authorities moved to crack down on dissent. The New York Times reported that she fled Russia with help from foreign supporters, aiming to avoid becoming another casualty of aggressive state actions against critics of the government.
Alyokhina began her public activism with Pussy Riot, a group known for provocative performances that challenged political authority. Her early protests against Vladimir Putin, dating back to 2012, led to a two-year prison sentence in a Moscow church, drawing global attention to her fearless stance against state power.
Following further arrests after similar demonstrations last year, Putin’s government intensified measures against dissent, and Alyokhina, who was under house arrest, faced a renewed 21-day sentence at a penal colony. Facing mounting pressure, she chose to leave Russia for a period, disguising herself to evade police surveillance while continuing to document events from abroad.
She left behind her mobile phone as a trap, while she carried a newspaper from New York to flag her ongoing situation and protect her anonymity while traveling. A trusted friend helped her reach the Belarusian border, and she spent several days crossing into Lithuania, where a studio in Vilnius hosted an interview with The New York Times to detail the harrowing escape of a dissident from Putin’s Russia.
Reflecting on the decision, Alyokhina said the escape felt like an unpredictable but necessary act, a way to preserve life and continue speaking out. Russian officials later included her on wanted lists, highlighting the ongoing tension between the government and its critics.
The 33-year-old artist has devoted most of her adult life to defending constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression. After leaving prison in 2013, she and another Pussy Riot member founded Mediazona, an independent outlet focusing on crime and punishment in Russia. She also authored a memoir called Riot Days and later toured internationally with a show built around her experiences.
Alyokhina participated in demonstrations in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in early 2021, which were met with a forceful police response in Russia. Despite a promise to remain in the country despite surveillance, she joined thousands of Russians who fled following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, as reported by major outlets.
In search and capture
The Russian interior ministry has tracked Alyokhina on the national wanted list after she completed sentences and appeared to evade further imprisonment. Throughout her adult life she has fought for adherence to Russia’s Constitution and for basic human rights, especially freedom of expression.
After her release, Alyokhina and a Pussy Riot colleague launched Mediazona, a project focused on reporting crime and punishment within Russia. Her writing also includes Riot Days, a memoir that has been adapted for stage and screen, making her voice part of a broader international conversation about political dissent and personal risk.
Her involvement in protests in support of opposition figures continued to draw attention, and she participated in demonstrations that faced violent suppression by police. Despite the pressure, she remained committed to speaking out against authoritarian practices and defending civil liberties.
In the wake of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Alyokhina chose to leave the country, joining many other Russians who sought safety abroad while continuing to advocate for human rights and political reform through international platforms.
Passing through Barcelona, Zaragoza and Madrid in June
The Russian protest art collective plans to perform in Spain this June, presenting a series of three concerts on days one, two, and four. One of its founders, Maria Alyokhina, known as Masha, will be part of the touring lineup after her escape from Russia made the schedule possible.
The tour will begin at Razzmatazz in Barcelona and will later move to Zaragoza’s Oasis room before concluding in Madrid at Shoko. Organizers have shared the itinerary in a press release, underscoring the show’s blend of feminist punk and political expression.
Ticketing will use a pay-what-you-want model through the Tiketblok app, letting fans choose the price they are willing to pay. The app’s algorithm will manage distribution to keep the process fair and accessible, enabling broad participation while supporting the performers and project behind the events.