A rally “Music Is Not a Crime!” took place today outside the Russian Embassy in Helsinki

The event was held in support of the musicians of the St. Petersburg band StopTime, who were detained and sentenced in Russia for their street performances.

Participants performed songs by Monetochka, Noize MC, Zemfira, Splean, Pornofilmy, Kino and Grazhdanskaya Oborona.

From behind the embassy fence and nearby building windows, staff members of the diplomatic mission were seen watching and photographing the participants — for what purpose, remains unclear.

With this rally, the organizers aimed once again to draw international attention to the ongoing repression in Russia. Passersby in Helsinki expressed solidarity and support — one woman was even moved to tears.

Freedom for Diana Loginova, Vladislav Leontiev and Alexander Orlov!

We will watch the ballet — and brighter days will come!