August 20, 2012
Three members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, following a protest performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Moscow, Russia | Russian Judiciary
On August 20, 2012, three members of the Russian feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison. The members—Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich—were convicted of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” following a protest performance at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Pussy Riot is known for its provocative performances and outspoken criticism of the Russian government, particularly targeting President Vladimir Putin. The group gained international attention for their guerrilla performances, which often addressed issues of feminism, LGBT rights, and political freedom.
On February 21, 2012, Pussy Riot staged an impromptu performance inside the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The performance, which lasted less than a minute, was part of a protest against the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for Putin during his presidential campaign. The group performed a “punk prayer” titled “Mother of God, Drive Putin Away,” which called for the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Putin.
The trial began in July 2012 and attracted significant media attention both in Russia and internationally. The prosecution argued that the performance was an attack on the Orthodox Church and an incitement of religious hatred. The defense, however, contended that the act was a political protest and an exercise of free speech.
On August 20, 2012, the Khamovniki District Court in Moscow found Tolokonnikova, Alyokhina, and Samutsevich guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Judge Marina Syrova sentenced each of them to two years in a penal colony. The verdict was met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations, artists, and political figures around the world, who viewed the sentence as harsh and politically motivated.
The sentencing of Pussy Riot sparked international outrage and highlighted issues of freedom of expression and political repression in Russia. Numerous protests and demonstrations were held globally in support of the band members. High-profile figures, including musicians, politicians, and human rights activists, called for their release.
In October 2012, Yekaterina Samutsevich’s sentence was suspended on appeal, and she was released on probation. However, Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina served most of their sentences before being released in December 2013 under a general amnesty.
The Pussy Riot case remains a significant moment in the discourse on human rights and political dissent in Russia, symbolizing the tensions between the state, the church, and civil society.
Source: en.wikipedia.org