Authorities in Moscow have charged members of the punk protest group Pussy Riot with "violation of spectators' rights" and illegally wearing police symbols when they ran onto the field during the World Cup final.
The Interfax news agency reported late Sunday that the four could face penalties of up to $185 or 160 hours of community service.
Three men and a woman dressed in police uniforms interrupted the title match between France and Croatia early in the second half at Moscow's 81,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium. The interruption was seen by Russian President Vladimir Putin from his VIP box and by international broadcast audiences watching one of the world's most viewed sporting events.
Pussy Riot issued statements on social media calling for the curtailing of policing powers and other reforms in Russia. The group has antagonized Putin for years and members have served time in prison for staging various high-profile protests.
"NEWS FLASH! Just a few minutes ago four Pussy Riot members performed in the FIFA World Cup final match — ”Policeman enters the Game” https://www.facebook.com/wearepussyriot/posts/2119354861654438 …" the group's tweet read.
Four dressed in police uniforms stormed the field in the 52nd minute. One woman high-fived France forward Kylian Mbappe, and another man was pushed to the ground by Croatia defender Dejan Lovren.
Pussy Riot said its protest was aimed at ending illegal arrests of protesters and to allow political competition in Russia. It was not clear if they used the uniforms as a ruse to enter the Luzhniki Stadium amid tight security, and the group could not immediately be reached for comment, according to the Associated Press.
"The citizens in question were taken to the local police station," the Moscow branch of the Russian Interior Ministry said, without providing further details.
Pussy Riot rose to global prominence with their daring outdoor performances critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012 that sent two members to prison for nearly two years. Putin was watching the game alongside his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The group was previously known for wearing brightly colored balaclavas, though those who protested Sunday did so with their faces uncovered.
FIFA did not immediately respond to an AP request for comment.
The protest was briefly shown on international TV broadcasts, even though FIFA policy is usually to cut away from field invasions.
Information from the AP was used in this report.
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