From prisoner to crypto-rebel: Pussy Riot’s Tolokonnikova wanted in Russia for ‘offensive’ NFT

In a gripping development, Russia’s Interior Ministry has reportedly added Nadya Tolokonnikova from Pussy Riot to its list of wanted persons.

The specific criminal offense prompting this action remains unclear. However, earlier this year, Russian authorities initiated an investigation into Tolokonnikova for “insulting the religious feelings of believers” – an act now carrying criminal consequences in the country.

This intriguing criminal probe into Tolokonnikova’s actions can be traced back to an NFT dubbed “Virgin Mary, please, become a feminist,” described as displaying “clear disrespect for society.”

According to Russian prosecutors, the text allegedly contained actions deliberately intended to offend the religious sentiments of believers.

Tolokonnikova believes that the authorities were also triggered by her previous Ukraine flag NFT for Ukraine DAO that was sold for close to $7 million, later sent as a donation to the Ukrainian army.

Who is Nadya Tolokonnikova and Pussy Riot?

Defying the Russian government’s attempts to silence her, Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova has emerged as a crypto-rebel, harnessing the power of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) art and cryptocurrencies in her fight for freedom and equality. 

Nadya Tolokonnikova is a renowned artist and activist who serves as the iconic face and voice of Pussy Riot – a prominent Russian feminist protest and performance art collective.

Her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and environmentalism has not only made her a target but also a symbol of courage and defiance against the oppressive Russian regime.

Despite being placed on Russia’s wanted list for her relentless activism, Nadya Tolokonnikova remains unyielding in her quest for change.

The birth and philosophy of Pussy Riot 

Founded in 2011, Pussy Riot emerged as a fearless feminist punk rock protest group, challenging Russia’s oppressive system. 

Tolokonnikova, as a founding member, spearheaded the group’s provocative performances and became an iconic figure of resistance and empowerment.

The notorious 2012 punk prayer, “Virgin Mary, Please Get Rid of Putin,” at the Moscow cathedral led to the arrest and imprisonment of Tolokonnikova and her fellow Pussy Riot members.

Tolokonnikova endured two harrowing years in prison, leaving a lasting impact on her psyche. After her return from prison, Tolokonnikova ventured into the world of cryptocurrencies and NFT art. 

In March 2022, she established UnicornDAO, a cryptocurrency investment fund to support female and non-binary artists while advocating for decentralized, self-governing systems. The project seeks to challenge the status quo and empower marginalized communities.

Tolokonnikova’s art and activism have often sparked controversy, with critics questioning her methods and motives. 

Despite these challenges, Tolokonnikova believes combining art and technology can bring positive change and disrupt oppressive systems.

Empowering the marginalized through crypto and NFTs 

Projects like UnicornDAO, through which Tolokonnikova raised millions of dollars, exemplify her vision of using crypto and NFTs to support humanitarian efforts and provide a platform for marginalized communities. As her story unfolds, Tolokonnikova’s impact is an enduring symbol of resistance, empowerment, and how crypto can change the world for good.