Tag: protest

July 31, 2012 - Young, progressive Russians, who used to flee to other countries to get away from the brutal oppression of free speech and dissent by the government, are now deciding to stay and try and change things at home. Most notably is the women punk musician-activist band Pussy Riot that is challenging free speech restrictions by doing "actions". 3 members of the band were arrested in February of 2012 and are now on trial for singing an anti-Putin song at the cathedral of the powerful Russian Orthodox Church. They face charges of "hooliganism" and face up to 7 years in prison. Even their spouses are being attacked, such as the husband of one of the women arrested, Pyotr Verzilov, who had a Canadian passport when he was attending school in Toronto years ago and the Russian government flashed an image of his passport on TV and called it evidence that he and his wife are trying to "tear Russia apart". Read more on WashPo here, and also there is a good article about the trial on NBCNews.com here.

They are all part of a movement called "Voina", a group consisting of artists, musicians and others that stage provocative actions deliberately meant to test the boundaries of their freedoms and liberties, and challenge the government's authority. They call this "polical protest art"; and at least 20 criminal investigations have been launched against the group and its members. The government of Russia says the Art group VOINA, "is a left-wing radical anarchist collective whose central goal is to carry out PR actions directed against the authorities..." Check out the org's website and read about the many political prisoners in Russia consisting of journalists, artists and even regular activists trying to bring about progressive change in Russia on their website: http://en.free-voina.org/.

The trial has divided old Russia against the youth, and even spilled over to America as protesters held a rally in front of the Russian embassy here in Washington, DC on July 28, 2012 to protest what they see as government overreach and oppression of free speech. NME.com reports that many musicians have spoken out against the detention and prosecution of the women, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Franz Ferdinand. Check back because JTMP will be posting on this issue regularly, and will also have a video out soon. (photo credits: CC\Wiki)

July 25, 2012 - JTMP was on hand to meet the Tour De Frack activist bicyclists as they arrived in the DC area today. We met them at the Maryland Great Falls Park Visitors Center as they ended their bike run from Butler, PA to Washington, DC. Check out a video of the event below, including an acoustic guitar performance by Zach, and for more information and the scheduling of Tour De Frack week, click here.

July 5, 2012 - Tom Morello, the best music activist today, led a Wal-Mart protest in LA Chinatown this past July 1st where everyone was protesting the low wages and union busting practiced by the Wal-Mart corporation. Los Angeles Federation of Labor spokesperson Caroline O'Connor said the jobs that will be offered by Wal-Mart will have low pay, no health benefits, and local businesses point out that it will draw away customers and kill the Ma and Pa stores in the area. Read more on ABC News website here. Check out a video from EugeneDavidovich below of The Nightwatchman singing the Union Song from the Chinatown protest, one of the biggest ever!

JUNE 18, 2012 - The Raging Grannies set up a music stage in front of a Apple Store in Palo Alto, California to protest Apple using cheap and abusive labor from China. The Raging Grannies feel that Apple profits off of the long hours, low pay and other horrible working conditions that Chinese laborers suffer under, and want this issue addressed. They joined with the Redwood City Occupiers, and also the Cuban music band VL Trio, and sang songs and called attention to this problem in their special way. They reported that many shoppers walking by called out their support. To see pictures from this event and more, check out their post on DU here, and also check out their website RagingGrannies.com. (Photo credit: miccheckpeterm)

JTMP's Video of Raging Grannies Here at Occupy DC

JAN 23, 2012 - Musician activist Ani DiFranco just released a new album, "Which Side Are You On?", and when asked in a NY Times interview who she admires among the people playing protest songs these days she said, "Pete Seeger for one...I had received two things in the mail from him, not only ideas for “Which Side Are You On?” and how we could do it but other new protest songs that he’s been working on. Beautiful songs. Amazing new vibrant sentiments from this man who is endlessly engaged. ” And when asked if she is bothered there is not much protest music these days she responded, “Hopefully that tide will be turning. There certainly is a reinvigorated energy in our society. ”

Read more on NY Times here.
(Photo credit: Erinc Salor/ Wiki)