Three members of Russian punk group Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison for performing a song protesting President Vladamir Putin at the Christ The Savior Cathedral on February 21st. Cited for 'hooliganism', Friday's verdict has drawn criticism of Putin's heavy handed tactics continually stifling dissent in Russia.
Photograph: Mudrats Alexandra
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to rally (Chicago, New York, SF ) in Free Pussy Riot protests, calling for the charges to be dropped. Celebrities have also voiced made their opinions known, Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, wore a Pussy Riot T-Shirt at a show in Moscow to show support. Ad Rock from the Beastie Boys showed up to DJ a benefit and other rock stars Peter Gabriel, Madonna, Sting, and Paul McCartney have spoken out in support of Pussy Riot, free speech, and the importance of dissent.
(Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images)
On Saturday, benevolent Orthodox cleric, Tikhon Shevkunov, who is widely believed to be President Vladimir
Putin’s spiritual counselor, said on state television that his
church forgave the singers after their “punk prayer”. Archpriest Maxim Kozlov agreed, but also said, "“We are simply praying and hoping that these young women and all these
people shouting in front of the court building, committing sacrilegious
acts not only in Russia but in other countries, realize that their acts
are awful,” he said. “And despite this the church is asking for mercy
within the limits of law.”
In a further development, former world chess champion and Russian opposition leader, Garry Kasparov, tells Eli Lake how he was beaten and arrested at the sentencing of Pussy Riot. Kasparov faces the threat of jail himself over the incident.
However you feel about what Pussy Riot did or where they did it, these ladies deserve some props for expressing their point of view in a courageous and evocative way in a place where it's not that safe to do so. They may have to do some time, but they do so having accomplished their mission... speaking truth to power with the voice of the oppressed, pushing the limits of freedom of speech in places it needs to be pushed, and showing the world with their words and Putin's actions just what a punk he is.
Mother Jones Magazine has been keeping the story updated here
FreePussyRiot.org is also keeping close tabs.
