# Commandeered Statue Protests Amnesty Uses Well-Known Spots in Belfast to Raise Awareness By Tia Clarke | Published 2012-08-26 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/russy-riot-protest-belfast References: [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=321885684573518&set=a.321885651240188.70141.109850892443666&type=1&theater) & [amnesty.org.uk](http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=12349) Amnesty International's Northern Ireland branch employed some crafty tactics to protest the recent jailing of Russian punk band Pussy Riot. Morning commuters were amused to spot some of the cities most well known statues voicing their concern for free speech through the brightly coloured balaclavas and placards reading Free Pussy Riot. Balaclavas were provided by local guerilla knitters of the group Secret Outside Crocheters and Knitters (S.O.C.K.) in a statement of solidarity with the punk band. Pussy Riot has been jailed for two years for their public performance of an anti-Putin song in the run up to the Russian elections. Northern Ireland has long been a torch bearer for the punk spirit, with local bands like Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones kicking against the system in the early seventies. A solidarity gig is planned for September 7, 2012. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Protest Activism:** Opportunity to use creative tactics and public spaces to raise awareness for social and political issues. - **Craftivism:** Opportunity for activists to use craft techniques to make a visual impact and express solidarity. - **Solidarity Events:** Opportunity to organize concerts and events to show support for causes and generate momentum for change. ### Who This Affects Most - **Activism and Advocacy Organizations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new and creative methods of communication and protest to drive social change. - **Craft Supplies and DIY Arts:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and market craft supplies specifically designed for activism purposes. - **Event Management and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and organize unique and impactful solidarity events that resonate with attendees and generate media attention. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Punk History Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-war-of-the-three-kingdoms.md) - [Provocative Banned Books Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail.md) - [Peace-Resembling Dress Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peace-dress.md) - [Humanitarian Full-Bodied Stouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fullbodied-stout.md) - [Ukraine-Benefiting Collaborative Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-beers.md) - [Cultural Resistance Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gunia-project.md) - [Ocean Purity Petitons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-dirty-protest.md) - [Arctic Portal Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arctic-portal.md) - [Colorful Queer Monuments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/queer-monument.md)