Americans should 'fight' for their country, Pussy Riot singer says

Feminist punk rock band Pussy Riot has always been outspoken in their native Russia, where they have been critical of President Vladimir Putin.

But lately they have also taken their message to Americansopenly protesting the win by Trump, who they find to be similar to Putin, through songs like this year's Make America Great Again.

• Pussy Riot puts Putin in his place

• Timeline: Pussy Riot's protest and imprisonment

While the band was strongly opposed to Trump, Pussy Riot member Masha Alyokhina, also known as Maria, tells CBC's Wendy Mesley that his win in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election didn't shock her.

"This is a sign for people who think democracy is forever. It's not true," the musician and activist told The National. "Democracy will exist if you fight for [it]."

'Act now'

Alyokhina warned against leaving the country as some Americans have threatened to do if Trump were to become president. She says it's a very dangerous thing to do.

"It's their country: They should fight for it," she explained.

• Pussy Riot members attacked at Russian McDonalds

Instead, Alyokhina encourages Americans to take part in protests, saying they're important because people can see that they're not alone.

"People should act now, because maybe after one year, it will be not possible," she said.

U.S. is now Russia's 'friend'

Tensions have been high between the U.S. and Russia in recent months, but Alyokhina notes that the tone towards the U.S. in Russia media has had a stark change since Trump became president-elect.

"Russian propaganda was working brutally against [Obama]," Alyokhina said. "And in one day, this election day, the United States suddenly becomes our friend."

• Pussy Riot attacked with whips by Cossack militia at Sochi

'Open your eyes'

Alyokhinasays she sees similarities between Trump and Putinin their approach to human rights and to immigrants.

She warns those in the U.S. that during Putin's first term, the establishment thought they would have been able to manage the situation, but she says that wasn't the case.

"[If you] think that you have a mechanism to control him -- open your eyes."

WatchThe National'sfull interview with MashaAlyokhina below:

Pussy Riot takes on Trump, Putin

8 years ago

Duration 9:34

Russian punk rocker and political activist Masha Alyokhina talks with CBC's Wendy Mesley days after Donald Trump's surprising election victory