Jailed Pussy Riot trio appeal their sentences

Published on 28/08/2012 01:13

Three members of the Pussy Riot punk band have appealed a court’s decision to jail them for two years for their “punk prayer” protest against Russian president Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral, their lawyer said yesterday.

The stunt angered Russia’s Orthodox Church, but the women’s trial and punishment also upset human rights activists and others who accused the Kremlin and the Church of orchestrating the trial amid a crackdown on critics of Mr Putin.

The women were arrested after a performance at Moscow’s Christ the Saviour cathedral in February, during which they called on the Virgin Mary to deliver Russia from Mr Putin.

The women were sentenced on 17 August, and their lawyer, Violetta Volkova, said an appeal was submitted yesterday.

Meanwhile, Orthodox Church leaders have condemned the chopping down of wooden crosses in Russia and neighbouring Ukraine by people claiming to support Pussy Riot.