Today’s news post is not about an Irish or Celtic punk band. However, it is about a feminist Russian punk group and a gross injustice. This past March, the band Pussy Riot were arrested and charged with “hooliganism.” So what exactly did they do? Why are they facing a seven-year jail sentence? They performed a one minute show at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Actually, what this is really all about, is expressing an opinion that deviates from the status quo. They were arrested for being part of the political opposition in a one-party authoritarian state. They were arrested for angering the Orthodox Church, which has worked with the Russian government to get a lot of sway on cultural issues. Lastly, they got arrested for being women.
Russian president and real-life James Bond villain Vladimir Putin was quoted saying: “I don’t think they should be judged too severely … But it’s up to the court to make the final decision. I hope that it will be right and relevant.” People all over the world are demanding the immediate release and for all charges to be dropped. For more information, and ways to help, please visit http://freepussyriot.org
