Posted 8 years ago on Aug. 17, 2012, noon EST by OccupyWallSt

Tags: solidarity, russia, pussy riot, feminism

Update, 1pm Eastern: See here for more information about Pussy Riot and today's Global Day of Action in support of them. Demonstrations are happening in cities across dozens of countries, including other U.S. cities. Free Pussy Riot Chicago will be marching at 4:30 Central time:

Join us this Friday in the Loop to call upon the city of Chicago, Moscow's sister city, to support three members of Russian feminist art collective Pussy Riot, jailed since a February anti-Putin "punk rock prayer" performed in Moscow's Christ the Savior Church. Since their protest against the Russian government and the Kremlin's exploitation of the Orthodox religion in the name of corporatism, three members of Pussy Riot (two of whom have young children), Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, have been held in subhuman conditions, facing up to seven years in prison on politically-motivated charges of "hooliganism." [They were sentenced to two.] On August 17th, 2012, supporters in Chicago and dozens of other cities worldwide are rallying for their freedom.

This morning, NYPD arrested protesters at the Russian consulate in NYC for wearing masks in solidarity with Pussy Riot, the arrested Russian feminist punk band who were just found guilty of "hooliganism" and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. They are now marching around Manhattan. Join them, or follow live on Twitter: #PussyRiotNYC

DETAILED SCHEDULE BELOW - via Facebook event

There are a number of actions occurring in NYC in support of Pussy Riot this week. This event is for the Friday actions at the Russian Consulate/St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, the musical march to Times Square, and the Times Square mid-day rally.

Morning musical masquerade protest party:

9 - 10am, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 15 E 97th St, (6 train to 96th Street)

10am - 12pm, Russian Consulate 9 East 91st Street

PLEASE: Bring signs, wear bright colors (see Pussy Riot for inspiration) and bring a noisemaker and/or stringed instrument. Don’t forget to bring your balaclava masque. (IMPORTANT NOTE: although wearing mask in a masquerade party is legal, a permit is still required which we do not have. see full penal code below).

Pussy Riot March on Madison from 91st Consulate to 46nd / Broadway street rally

WHEN: 12pm -1pm marching!

PLEASE: Bring signs, wear bright colors (see Pussy Riot for inspiration) and bring a noisemaker and/or stringed instrument.

1pm -- Arrive Times Square Rally:

WHERE: 46th Street and Broadway WHEN: 1-2pm

ALSO PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE PUSSY RIOT ACTIONS:

Also at 10am InOurHearts will join us at the consulate http://www.facebook.com/events/477671338911771/

occupymusicians at gmail dot com

Masquerade Law NEW YORK Penal Law 240.35 (4):

New York’s anti-mask law criminalizes the wearing of masks or disguises by three or more persons in a public place unless done in connection with a “masquerade party or like entertainment,” after obtaining a permit to wear masks from the police or other appropriate authorities. The courts have defined “like entertainment” as “social gatherings, dances, and performances that involve masks or costumes,” Under the current law, wearing a bandana tied around one’s face falls within the scope of the mask prohibition.