Russian rapper Husky faces jail over gig on car roof

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A popular Russian rapper is facing two weeks in jail having been accused of organising an unlawful gathering for performing on top of a car after prosecutors banned his gig.

Husky, whose songs mock authorities and police brutality, has a wide following among young Russians. The 25-year-old’s videos score up to 6m views on YouTube. The rapper was due to perform in the southern city of Krasnodar when local prosecutors warned the venue that his act had elements of what they called extremism. In recent years Russian authorities have used a vaguely worded law on extremism to pursue Kremlin critics and dissenters.

Wednesday’s gig in Krasnodar was moved to another club, where the power was shut off, and Husky’s fans poured outside. Videos posted online showed the rapper, whose real name is Dmitry Kuznetsov, reading his verses on top of a car as fans chanted in unison. He was then detained.

Husky’s lawyer, Alexander Avanesyan, said his client faces up to 15 days in prison for organising an unauthorised gathering and disobeying police orders. The court hearing on his possible detention started on Thursday afternoon.

Husky’s black-and-white videos mock a political regime that expects tacit compliance from citizens. A new wave of Russian rap musicians is widely credited for channelling young Russians’ frustration with the political system and lack of economic prospects. Authorities in other Russian regions have also moved to banned Husky’s gigs.(theguardian)…[+]