Pussy Riot trio jailed for two years over protest against Vladimir Putin

12 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 674 Views

Three female members of Pussy Riot, the Russian punk band which staged a protest against president Vladimir Putin in a church, have been jailed for two years each after being found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

A judge delivered her verdict on Friday afternoon after the case had sparked protests all over the world.

The three women were charged with hooliganism after donning ski masks and acting out a ‘punk prayer’ against the Russian president and the Kremlin in a stunt in Moscow’s Christ the Saviour cathedral in February.

Prosecutors in the trial wanted the trio to be given three years in prison for their actions, but the court in Moscow decided to sentence them to two years each.

Their cause had been taken up by some of the biggest names in music, with both Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney backing the band.

The three women, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, say their protest was intended to highlight the close ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and state, not to offend believers.

‘Our imprisonment is a clear and distinct sign that the whole country’s freedom is being taken away,’ said Ms Tolokonnikova, in a letter written in jail and posted online by defence lawyer Mark Feigin.

She said she was ‘not bitter about being in jail’ but added: ‘Politically, I am furious.’

The judge, Marina Syrova, was assigned bodyguards on Thursday before she delivered her verdict after alleged death threats.

The trial has divided Russia, with many calling for severe punishment, while others believe the women should have been given their freedom.

Mr Putin had earlier said he thought their punishment should not be too harsh although he added the women had done ‘nothing good’.

In the wake of the case, the Russian parliament has introduced tighter controls on the internet and increased fines for protesters.

Ref: http://www.metro.co.uk

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