[Updated 7:32 a.m. ET] A court in Russia found three members of a punk rock band, Pussy Riot, guilty Friday on charges of hooliganism, Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported. The three women were brought to trial after they performed a song critical of President Vladimir Putin in a cathedral in Moscow.
[Posted 4:29 a.m. ET] A Russian court is due to give a verdict Friday in the trial of three members of the female punk rock band Pussy Riot, who face up to seven years in prison for performing a song critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Pussy Riot members were charged after screaming "Mother Mary please drive Putin away" during a concert inside Christ Savior Cathedral, one of Moscow's grandest houses of worship, in February.
Their action outraged many of Russia's faithful, but their trial on charges of hooliganism has prompted international concern about freedom of speech in Russia.
Madonna last week performed Pussy Riot-style in a face mask and with the group's name on her back during a packed Moscow gig.
"Everyone has the right to free speech, everywhere in the world. Maria, Katya, Nadia, I pray for you," Madonna said at Tuesday's concert, according to RIA Novosti. "They did something brave with their action. And I am praying for their freedom."
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Free Willy.
because its an injustice
Because they are getting 7 years for speaking out against Putin.
If not for their name we wouldn't be hearing a thing about these girls.
that is excatly the reason for the name, to get attention for their cause. It obviously got your attention.
If right wingers ever riot, the name of the rock group is what they will call the riot.
LOL
This is news because the name of the group is so cool.
What happened to freedom of Speach? Putin is just like his buddy Assad.
There is little freedom in Russia under Putin, who wants to be president for life. When this term is translated, it means "dictator." Putin ran the Soviet secret police, so he knows how the crush opposition with the help of a cooperative "judicial" system.
It was just a simple comment. The Russian Goverment needs to be more tolerant with their citizens.
so what? its Russia! what did they expect? you dont see women in Iran stripping on tv. You know why? they would be beheaded. You dont tick off one of the craziest governments and expect to walk....DUH!
Oh well, off to Siberia.
FIrst Pusyy Riot...next the Butthole Surfers. Where will it all end?
Well..the finale will open with the heavy metal band Shocker and will culminate with the epic reunion of the punk band ClimaX!
Why was a punk rock group playing inside "one of Moscow's grandest houses of worship" in the first place?
CNN should get a better grip on translating foreign news. The punk band did not perform at a concert; they ran into the a place of worship in the middle of services and began an act of desecration of a church. The fact that this was an act of protest against Putin is true; and the response of the authorities is dividing the country at this instant.
CNN get the facts right!!!!
Wow I had no idea it was that bad. You get thrown in jail for being critical of the president in Russia? USA really is a bastion of freedom...
When is sentencing?
really? you seriously need to ask that?