Stoptime problems: lawlessness, arrests, and limited support

The history of Stoptime continues to evolve in a tragic way, characterized by systematic administrative arrests and growing pressure from the authorities. Recently, two weeks ago, Sounds covered in detail the detention of singer Diana "Naoko" Loginova, guitarist Alexander Orlov and drummer Vladislav Leontiev, in connection with a repeated violation of the law. Such detentions became regular: after serving the first administrative arrest, Loginov and Orlov were again detained at the exit of the special detention center and taken to the police station, while Leontiev, fortunately, remained at large.

The latest action led to a new 13-day arrest of Loginova and Orlov on charges of organizing “mass movement of citizens” during the concert “Stoptime” on September 27. The trial was marked by disregard for factual errors in protocol, discrepancies in witness statements and Judge Kovaleva's refusal to question the applicants.

The international community has also expressed its concern. Yuri Shevchuk dedicated the song "You are not alone" to the musicians at a London concert, and the duo Pet Shop Boys posted a video with the Stoptime group on their Instagram. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of the detained musicians. However, due to the blocking of Amnesty International’s website in Russia and the recognition of the organization as “undesirable”, the real opportunity to provide assistance is limited.

St. Petersburg police continue to carry out raids against street musicians, and Zvukov's editorial board fears that lawmakers may impose new bans. Naoko is already under the sixth administrative protocol. Despite the lack of visible influence on the situation, the Sounds will continue to monitor developments and support Russian musicians in custody. Such actions, according to the editorial board, are a demonstration of a state threat and are probably aimed at pressuring and collecting materials for a criminal case.