Riot Days: A Memoir of Incarceration in Putin's Russia by Maria Alyokhina

In 2012, Maria Alyokhina, a member of the Russian feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot, was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for a politically motivated performance in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral. Her memoir, "Riot Days," is a raw and unflinching account of her experiences in a Russian penal colony.

Alyokhina's Arrest and Imprisonment

Alyokhina's arrest stemmed from Pussy Riot's performance of the "punk prayer" song in the cathedral, which was seen as an act of blasphemy against the Russian Orthodox Church. She and other members of the group were charged with hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

After a highly publicized trial, Alyokhina was sentenced to two years in prison. She was sent to IK-28, a penal colony in the remote Perm region of Russia.

Riot Days

by Maria Alyokhina

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages

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Conditions in IK-28

Alyokhina's memoir vividly describes the harsh and dehumanizing conditions she faced in prison. She was forced to share a small cell with dozens of other inmates, endure harsh punishments for minor infractions, and work long hours in a factory.

Alyokhina also experienced physical and psychological abuse from guards and fellow inmates. She was beaten, threatened, and subjected to degrading treatment.

Alyokhina's Resistance

Despite the hardships she faced, Alyokhina refused to be broken. She organized protests within the prison, went on hunger strikes, and smuggled out writings about her experiences.

Alyokhina's resistance earned her the respect of many in the international community. Human rights organizations and political leaders called for her release, and she became a symbol of the struggle for freedom of expression in Russia.

Release and Aftermath

Alyokhina was finally released from prison in December 2013, after serving 21 months of her sentence. Since her release, she has continued to speak out against the Russian government and its human rights abuses.

Alyokhina has also established the MediaZona project, an independent news website that reports on issues related to Russian prisons.

Impact of "Riot Days"

"Riot Days" has been praised for its brutal honesty, its vivid portrayal of life in a Russian prison, and its unflinching critique of the Russian government. It has been translated into over a dozen languages and has won numerous awards, including the Amnesty International Award for Investigative Journalism.

"Riot Days" has also had a significant impact on the international community. It has raised awareness of the human rights abuses taking place in Russian prisons and has helped galvanize support for political prisoners.

Maria Alyokhina's "Riot Days" is a powerful and unforgettable memoir that exposes the dark side of the Russian penal system. It is a story of courage, resilience, and the indomitable power of the human spirit.

"Riot Days" is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Russian history, human rights, or the struggle for freedom of expression.

Riot Days

by Maria Alyokhina

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages

FREE