The St. Petersburg street band Stoptime has again fallen victim to repeated administrative arrests in Russia, a move consistent with the government’s broader strategy of keeping individuals in custody for extended periods. These arrests have become a common practice in the country, reflecting a pattern of using legal mechanisms to suppress dissent and control public spaces.
Stoptime, known for its energetic performances and public engagement, has been a focal point of these arrests. The use of administrative detention against the band underscores the government’s efforts to maintain order and limit the visibility of street performers, who are often associated with social unrest. Such actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which view these detentions as a form of political repression.