Officers from the Russian Investigative Committee raided the homes of relatives of Pussy Riot members Maria Alyokhina and Olga Borisova, Mediazona reported on Thursday, citing the activists themselves.
The investigators searched the homes of Alyokhina’s mother in Moscow and Borisova’s family in St. Petersburg. According to Mediazona, at least one close relative of the activists has been summoned for questioning as a witness.
The searches are part of a criminal case against members of Pussy Riot, who are charged with spreading “disinformation” about the Russian army. In addition to Alyokhina and Borisova, Diana Burkot, Alina Petrova, and Taso Pletner are also listed as defendants in the case. It’s unclear whether their relatives’ homes have also been searched.
During the search of Alyokhina’s mother’s home, investigators reportedly mentioned the music video for Pussy Riot’s song “Mama, Don’t Watch TV,” which serves as the basis for one of the charges. They also read through her messages on Telegram.
Alyokhina and Borisova live outside of Russia.
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