Russian rappers, other artists targeted in crackdown

When the Russian "dark rave" duo Nastya Kreslina and Nikolay Kostylev stepped off the train for their gig in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, the police were waiting on the frozen platform. They were asked for their passports, Kostylev was handcuffed and they were whisked away to the local police station.

There, the police claimed they'd received an anonymous call about drug possession. But Kreslina and Kostylev, whose experimental performances as the electronic duo IC3PEAK feature provocative, morbid and often gruesome themes, say the real reason for their arrest is their art.

During their Russia-wide tour, which began last month and has spanned venues from the Volga River city of Kazan to far eastern Siberia, six of their 11 concerts have been cancelled. Club owners have been pressured not to host them and threatened with fines and closures.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

"We have received no official statements, no letters, nothing," Kostylev told The Associated Press of the harassment. "These are just ratty methods of fighting against art."

In recent months, Russian musicians have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian artists.

The crackdown evokes Soviet-era restrictions on the music scene, when Communist Party officials drove rock musicians deemed an ideological threat underground. More recently it follows the 2012 jailing of Pussy Riot punk band members and other heavy-handed moves by President Vladimir Putin's government to tighten control over the nation's cultural scene — reflecting uneasiness with the musicians' broad reach and challenge to official policies.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nikolay Kostyle, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

Last month, a rapper known as Husky, whose videos have garnered more than 6 million views on YouTube, was arrested after he staged an impromptu performance when his show was shut down in the southern city of Krasnodar.

The 25-year-old rapper, known for his lyrics about poverty, corruption and police brutality, was preparing to take to the stage on Nov. 21 when local prosecutors warned the venue that his act had elements of what they termed "extremism."

Husky climbed onto a car, surrounded by hundreds of fans, and chanted "I will sing my music, the most honest music!" before he was taken away by police.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, fans watch as Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert and Nikolay Kostylev perform in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

A court sentenced Husky to 12 days in jail on charges of hooliganism, but he was released four days later — hours before a solidarity concert in Moscow by a group of popular hip hop artists protesting his detention.

However, the official pressure on artists has continued.

On Nov. 30, rapper Gone.Fludd announced two concert cancellations, citing pressure from "every police agency you can imagine," while popular hip hop artist, Allj, cancelled his show in the Arctic city of Yakutsk after receiving threats of violence.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, a fan films as Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians.. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

Other artists have been affected as well — pop sensation Monetochka and punk band Friendzona were among those who had their concerts shut down by the authorities last month.

In IC3PEAK's case, besides their Dec. 1 detention in Siberia, the artists have been hounded for weeks by the police and the Federal Security Service, or FSB, the main KGB successor agency. Kreslina said the authorities were using "old, tried and tested Soviet methods" to crack down on musicians accused of overstepping.

"We don't want to stop performing," she said. "But we think it's getting worse."

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 26, 2018, people cheer during a concert in support of rapper Husky, in Moscow in Moscow, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

Their music videos use occult and "slaughterhouse" imagery, often featuring them in disturbing guises drinking blood and eating raw meat. They believe their most recent one, which fused ghoulish images of the pair lying in coffins with a backdrop of the FSB security service headquarters, is what has vexed the authorities

Kreslina and Kosylev maintain, however, their work is aimed more at shaking up popular perceptions than making an overtly political statement.

"We are taking people out of their comfort zone, because it helps people to think, it opens up new feelings and emotions," Kostylev said. "If people get scared of your art, you are most likely doing the right thing."

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 26, 2018, Russian rapper Oxxxymiron, whose real name is Miron Fyodorov, performs during a concert in support of rapper Husky, whose real name is Dmitry Kuznetsov, in Moscow, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

Boris Barabanov, a music columnist at Russia's top business daily, Kommersant, said the backlash will only fuel "tougher, more biting songs" and foster greater resourcefulness to get around restrictions.

Unlike in Soviet times, when Soviet rock stars were forced underground by Communist officials, "now all musicians are equal in front of the main channel for the distribution of content — the internet," Barabanov said.

"Anything that is forbidden only encourages the imagination," he said, adding that bands will start changing their names and holding secret concerts to dodge police.

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 26, 2018, Russian rapper Oxxxymiron, whose real name is Miron Fyodorov, performs during a concert in support of rapper Husky, whose real name is Dmitry Kuznetsov, in Moscow, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

Indeed, less than an hour after their release from custody in Novosibirsk, Kreslina and Kostylev were playing to a 300-strong crowd at an abandoned loft on the outskirts of the city.

In the wake of so many obstacles, they now know how to organize secret, backup concerts. Details are sent out on an encrypted messaging app and people bring their own lights and sound systems.

"People go crazy, it's a big adventure for them — people love what is forbidden" Kreslina said.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

"It's a perfect way to say f--- you to the government," Kostylev added.

It remains unclear if the recent crackdown has been directed by the federal authorities or driven by overzealous local officials.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot, who along with fellow band member Maria Alekhina spent nearly two years in prison for "insulting religious feelings" with their provocative 2012 performance in Moscow's top Russian Orthodox cathedral, said the latest backlash has been fueled by Kremlin fears.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

"The artists whom they banned have a stronger, livelier, angrier electorate that is more convinced and reliable than that of Vladimir Putin's," Tolokonnikova said. "They're starting to feel the competition in the Kremlin and at the FSB headquarters."

Barabanov, the music columnist, has a different view.

"I don't think that the authorities want to ban a specific genre of music and I don't think that this is a pre-planned campaign" by the Kremlin, he said. "More likely this is a matter of stupidity among officials in the regions."

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nastya Kreslina, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

In a claim that appeared to back that assertion, Margarita Simonyan, head of the state-funded RT television network who has strong ties to top Kremlin officials, maintained that Husky's release came after government intervention.

And last week, the head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service proposed creating grants to support local rappers, while Kremlin adviser and former culture minister Mikhail Shvydkoi defended rap as an art "that should not be ignored."

Dmitry Kiselyov, the host of a top news show on Russia's state TV, also came to the rappers' defense, saying they represent a tremendously popular subculture that "should not be harassed."

In this photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Russian musician Nikolay Kostyle, member of electronic duo called IC3PEAK performs during a concert in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In recent months, Russian artists have experienced a spike in pressure from the authorities, with a string of concert cancellations and arrests that have brought an outcry from critics who see it as the latest expression of censorship against Russian musicians. (AP PhotoAnton Basanayev)

Trifon Bebutov, the former digital editor of Esquire Russia, saw all that as a sign that "the Kremlin is trying to find a way to cooperate and start a dialogue with popular artists."

The musicians' popularity with young Russians and potential to proliferate ideas that are uncomfortable for the government worries the Kremlin, he added.

"It seems that the government is really scared of an audience they don't have the ability to control, that they are worried could be incited to action, to protest," Bebutov said.

In a testament to that wide following, tickets sold out in just three hours for last month's solidarity concert organized by three of Russia's leading hip hop artists to protest Husky's arrest.

Between them, the rappers have a millions-strong audience, as well as the hearts and minds of internet-savvy, young Russians who don't consume state media like the older generation.

The message they heard was clear.

"This concert isn't just about Husky," 33-year-old rapper Oxxxymiron told the crowd. "It's about the artists who have faced this in the past and, I'm afraid, for those artists who might face this in the future. This is about the freedom of society."

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Former Cypriot President George Vassiliou, a successful businessman who helped to energize his divided island's economy and set it on the road to European Union membership, has died. He was 94.

Vassiliou died Wednesday after being hospitalized on Jan. 6 for a respiratory infection. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides praised Vassiliou as a leader who became synonymous with the country's economic prosperity, social progress and push toward modernization.

“Cyprus has lost a universal citizen who broadened our homeland's international imprint,” Christodoulides said in a written statement.

His wife Androulla, a lawyer who twice served as a European commissioner, posted on X in the early hours Wednesday that her companion of 59 years “slipped away quietly in our arms” in hospital.

“It's difficult to say farewell to a man who was a superb husband and father, a man full of kindness and love for the country and its people,” she wrote.

When he became president in 1988, Vassiliou lifted hopes that a peace deal with the island's breakaway Turkish Cypriots was possible after more than a decade of off-again, on-again talks. He swiftly relaunched stalled reunification negotiations with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, but they ended at an impasse that continues today.

Cyprus was split into an internationally recognized Greek-speaking south and a Turkish-speaking north in 1974, when Turkey invaded the island after a coup aimed at uniting it with Greece. A Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence nine years later was recognized only by Turkey.

During an interview in 1989, one year into his five-year term as president, Vassiliou said: "The only dangerous thing for the Cyprus issue is to remain ... in a vacuum, forgotten and with no one taking any interest."

But Vassiliou succeeded on many other fronts, using his skills as a successful entrepreneur to modernize and expand his county’s economy, even though he had been raised by parents who were pro-communist.

Vassiliou was born in Cyprus in 1931 to two doctors who were activists and volunteered their services to the communist forces during the civil war that engulfed Greece in the immediate aftermath of World War II.

With the defeat of the communists in Greece in 1949, the Vassiliou family moved to Hungary and later Uzbekistan.

George Vassiliou initially studied medicine in Geneva and Vienna, but he later switched to economics, earning a doctorate from the University of Economics in Budapest.

After a brief stint doing marketing in London, Vassiliou returned to Cyprus in 1962, and he began a successful business career that made him a millionaire. He founded the Middle East Market Research Bureau, a consultancy business that grew to have offices in 30 countries in the Middle East, South Africa, eastern and central Europe.

In 1987, Vassilou was elected president of Cyprus as an independent entrepreneur who also was supported by the island's powerful communist party AKEL, which his father had one been a prominent member of.

Vassiliou bucked the staid political culture of the time by making the presidency more accessible to the public and visiting government offices and schools. That prompted some criticism that he was turning the presidency into a marketing pulpit.

"I consider it the president’s obligation to come in contact with the civil service," Vassiliou told Greek state TV. "I call this communication with youth. Some call it marketing. ... I call it the proper execution of the president's mission."

He also pushed through key reforms, including imposing a sales tax while slashing income taxes, streamlining a cumbersome civil service, establishing the first Cyprus university, and abolishing a state monopoly in electronic media. To make sure the world better understood the Cyprus peace process, he widely expanded a network of press offices at Cypriot diplomatic missions.

Through his tenure, the island's per capita gross domestic product almost doubled, culminating in possibly his most notable achievement as president — applying for full membership to the European Union, a goal achieved 13 years later.

Vassiliou lost the presidency in 1993 to Glafcos Clerides, who appointed his rival as Cyprus' chief negotiator with the EU in 1998. A decade later, Vassiliou headed a Greek Cypriot team negotiating EU matters during reunification talks. He remained politically active, founding a party of his own and being elected to the Cypriot legislature in 1996.

He authored several books on EU issues and Cypriot politics; was a member of several international bodies, including the Shimon Peres Institute of Peace; and received honors and decorations from countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Portugal and Egypt.

Apart from his wife, Vassiliou is also survived by two daughters and a son.

FILE -Democratic Presidential Candidate Bill Clinton, left, meets with President George Vassiliou of Cyprus at New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel, Aug. 9, 1992. (AP Photo/Mario Cabrera, File)

FILE -Cyprus President George Vassiliou, left, smiles as his son Evelthon, 17, is introduced to the daughter of Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael S. Dukakis, Kara, 19, at the Statehouse in Boston on Aug. 3, 1988 as Dukakis, second from right looks on, during a visit by the Cyprus President to Boston. (AP Photo/Carol Francavilla, File)