In a very short space of time, a radical group of young Russian women began a series of harassing behaviors that would test the government's discourse on three essential freedoms that American citizens take for granted: speech, assembly, and association. A Moscow-based feminist and punk rock protest group, they chose the name Pussy Riot “…because of its inherent contrast: 'pussy' objectifies women as soft and passive; 'revolt' is a reaction against this” (Heuvel). Although Putin believes that Pussy Riot's actions are contributing to the destruction of the moral foundation of Russian society. Pussy Riot should not be condemned for speaking freely about human rights as they were arrested for performing in a cathedral and singing about the relationship between the state and the church. On February 21, 2012, just before the country's March elections, a group of women dressed in tights, baklava and dresses, engaged in a show of protest on a platform in front of the altar of the iconic Russian Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow . The show lasted less than a minute before candle sellers, tourists and security guards on duty chased them away. The show was an appeal to the Virgin Mary to get rid of Vladimir Putin, they sang "Virgin begetter of God, drive away Putin!" Kick Putin out, kick Putin out!' The group's choreography included air punches and performing mock prayers while singing their anti-Putin anthem "Punk Prayer." The band was formed in response to Putin's decision to return to the presidency. “The band wanted to pursue 'the art of activism' by staging creative and unexpected public events” (Petrou). Their performance deliberately encourages society to think about things they normally don't question: gende...... middle of paper......ntury – it's something that comes out of tribal societies and dictatorial regimes of the past” (Spiegel).Works Cited Elder, Miriam. “Pussy Riot Trial Gives Russia 'Image of Medieval Dictatorship'.” The Observer. Guardian News and Media, 19 August 2012. Web. 12 June 2014.Huevel, Katrina vanden. "The Revolt of the Pussies and the Two Russias." The nation. Nation, August 27, 2012. Web. June 12, 2014. Kruhly, Madeleine. "The strange history of Russian hooliganism". The Atlantic, July 24, 2012. Web. June 12, 2014.Petrou, Michael. “Mad as hell in Moscow.” Maclean's, March 16, 2013. Web. June 12, 2014. Rojansky, Matthew, and Nikolas Gvosdev. “The United States should still talk to Russia.” The New York Times. The New York Times, August 30, 2012. Web. June 12, 2014. Spiegel, Der. "Interview with Pussy Riot leader: 'I love Russia, but I hate Putin'". SPIEGEL ONLINE. 03 September 2012. Web. 17 June 2014.