Singer detained in St. Petersburg after band plays songs by artists labeled "foreign agents"CEFR A2
22 Oct 2025
Adapted from Daria Dergacheva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Bradley Andrews, Unsplash
Authorities opened an investigation after videos of the band Stoptime performing on Nevsky Prospect spread online. The case in St. Petersburg focuses on Diana "Naoko" Loginova, an 18-year-old student and the group’s vocalist.
The city prosecution charged Loginova with organizing an unauthorized rally (Part 1, Article 20.2.2 of the Administrative Code). She was detained, spent a night in a police station and, according to Meduza, was brought to court in handcuffs. A local municipal court has ordered her detention for 13 days.
Stoptime played songs by artists labeled "foreign agents," including Monetochka and Noize MC. The band’s videos brought them wider attention, and two other members are under investigation.
Difficult words
- charge — To formally accuse someone of a crime.charged
- detain — To hold someone in custody, usually by the police.detained
- rally — A gathering of people for a common purpose.
- attention — Notice or focus on someone or something.
- student — A person who studies at a school or college.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Diana was singing on the streets?
- What are your thoughts on artists speaking out against the government?
- How does social media help groups like Stoptime?
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