Pussy Riot guilty of hooliganism

[schwenko]

from the NY Times:

"8:03 AM ET Russian Punk Band Is Found Guilty of Hooliganism; Sentence Expected Soon


By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN

Published: August 17, 2012

MOSCOW — In a case that has generated worldwide criticism over constraints on political speech in Russia, three young women who staged an anti-Putin stunt in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior last February were widely expected to be convicted of hooliganism on Friday, even as huge suspense loomed over how severely they would be punished.

The three women, members of a punk rock band called Pussy Riot, have been in jail since March, and prosecutors have urged a three-year prison sentence, though the maximum penalty under the law is seven years. Meanwhile, a chorus of supporters, including some of the music world’s biggest stars, has demanded their immediate release."


Sugoi !!!

[coop41]

quite the surprise to see the top headline on CNN.com this morning contain the words Pussy Riot.

[schwenko]

they were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment [:0]

Sugoi !!!

[coop41]

The offensive lyrics:
The Pussy Riot members were charged after screaming, "Mother Mary, please drive Putin away,"

[schwenko]

an update from Rolling Stone:

"By Rolling Stone
August 20, 2012 3:10 PM ETRussian police are searching for additional members of feminist punk band Pussy Riot involved in the February "punk prayer" protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin that resulted in prison sentences last week for three women who participated, Reuters reports. Police haven't said who or how many more people they're looking for, or whether they face arrest or charges. Five masked protestors were part of the 40-second demonstration inside Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, though only three were arrested and tried. Pussy Riot is said to have more than 10 members.

Mark Feigin, a lawyer for Pussy Riot, believes authorities have surveillance footage from the February protest and are already aware of the other women's identities. He said the search is a tool intended to put pressure on any members of the group who plan to continue protesting. "If you put some unidentified persons on the wanted list, then you can arrest whoever you want in a balaclava," he said.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were sentenced Friday to two years in prison for "hooliganism" over the protest. The band released a new single, "Putin is Lighting the Fires of Revoluion," just hours after the convictions, and Pussy Riot have gained the support of musicians including Madonna, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers"



Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... z24CYXTEgh

Sugoi !!!