See: A Pussy Riot For Refugees.

Activist Russian punk band Pussy Riot has taken up the mantle of a new cause: refugees from war torn Middle Eastern nations. “We believe in solidarity with human beings in need, wherever they are from, whatever their background. This is not a question of politics or nationality, but of saving human lives,” said the band in a recent press release.

In accordance with this stance, Pussy Riot has released a new video, “Refugees In.” Filmed during the band’s performance at famed street artist and activist Banksy’s pop up ‘bemusement park’ Dismaland, the video is dedicated to the refugees flooding into Europe to escape the various wars of the Middle East. As many European countries have been turning away these people, they are forced to enter Europe illegally or be bused back to the very lands they are fleeing from. Pussy Riot sees this as an unmitigated crisis, “ISIS will win if Europe rejects the value of multi-culturalism and is terrified by the threats of extreme-right politicians. When Europe closes its borders, it will tumble back to the previous century; the era of nationalism.” To this end, the band is going back to the studio to fight right wing conservatism through the most powerful weapons in their arsenal: music and videos. As member Nadya Tolokonnikova says,”We are planning to release a lot of disturbing videos next year, we hope that you will not like them.”

Words: K. Hules

Photos: Vianney Le Caer