Russian activist group Pussy Riot have claimed responsibility for storming onto the pitch during the France-Croatia World Cup final, The Guardian reports. The invaders, dressed as Russian police officers, were chased by security, one of them managing to high-five French player Kylian Mbappé, before being dragged off the field. In a series of statements released on Facebook, the collective took credit for the action, claiming it was a performance titled Policeman enters the Game, in protest of Russia’s political prisoners.
The group shared their list of demands on social media following the demonstration:
1. Let all political prisoners free
2. Not imprison for “likes”
3. Stop Illegal arrests on rallies
4. Allow political competition in the country
5. Not fabricate criminal accusations and not keep people in jails for no reason
6. Turn the earthly policeman into the heavenly policeman
According to a statement by the Russian police, the protesters are facing up to 200,000 rubles (£2,400) or 160 hours of community service.
16 July 2018
