St. Petersburg Street Musicians Gain Freedom Amid Anti-War Protests, One Reported to Have Fled Russia

Authorities in St. Petersburg have released street performers Diana Loginova and Alexander Orlov after a month in detention, as reported by local news outlet Fontanka on Sunday, referencing two separate sources.

The pair were taken into custody three times by St. Petersburg police, starting on October 15. Their arrests followed the viral success of their band, Stoptime, which gained attention for playing songs by anti-war artists during street performances in the city.

One source from Fontanka reported that the police relocated Loginova and Orlov from the detention facility to another location to prevent journalists, who were waiting for their release, from questioning them. Loginova’s attorney, Maria Zyryanova, confirmed their safety and requested privacy for the musicians.

According to the radio station Ekho Moskvy, which cited an anonymous source, Loginova has left Russia for a secure, undisclosed location.

With the release of both performers, all members of Stoptime are now free from custody.

Last month, a court imposed a fine of 30,000 rubles (approximately $375) on Loginova for allegedly discrediting the Russian military through her performance of an anti-war song by another artist in exile. A judge referred a second charge of the same nature back to the police, citing insufficient evidence.

Loginova has maintained her innocence regarding the accusations.