Statement by the Yabloko party Chairman, 21.10.2025

Photo: Diana Loginova in court / Photo by Alexei Dhushutin, Novaya Gazeta

I am outraged by the court’s decision to arrest singer Diana Loginova (Naoko) for 13 days for performing songs in the street. In fact, the state used this decision so that to further expanded the scope of repressions, punishing Diana not for crimes, but for creativity and self-expression in music. Under no circumstances can I agree that peaceful street performance of songs poses a threat to public safety.

Diana was effectively punished for performing songs by artists whom the authorities have placed on “black foreign agent lists” because of their position. And this is nothing other than a manifestation of censorship and a direct violation of Article 44 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of creativity — “Everyone is guaranteed freedom of literary, artistic, scientific, technical and other types of creativity, and teaching”.

I demand the immediate release of Diana Loginova and an end to the practices of persecuting citizens of the country for creativity and self-expression in music.

We, as a country, will never become a modern, lawful and free state if people are subjected to arrest for performing songs. I express solidarity with Diana Loginova and all who are outraged by her arrest. The Yabloko party will continue to defend the right to freedom of speech, freedom of creativity and human dignity in Russia.

Freedom for music! Freedom for Diana Loginova!

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko Chairman