PEN International is shocked by the two-year prison sentence handed down today to the three members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot—Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Ekaterina Samusevich—under Article 213 of the Russian Criminal Code. The sentence was read today at the Khamovnichesky Court in Moscow.

Background Information

The three women had been held in custody since early March. Their trial did not begin until July.

During the trial the women were locked in a bulletproof cage and according to their lawyers were not given food or water for long periods of time. The prosecution and its witnesses argued that the band's act was motivated not by their outrage at the Putin regime, as the woman had stated, but by a deep hatred of all Orthodox Christians.

PEN International monitored the trial where the defense was repeatedly denied the right to make objections, to call their witnesses, and at times even to speak. The repressive nature of this judicial process is of increasing concern for PEN, further highlighting the ongoing repression of free speech in Russia.

The decision comes nearly 6 months after the three women were taken into custody and charged with “hooliganism” motivated by religious hatred, an offense carrying a maximum seven-year term. On February 21, the three women walked into the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow wearing colourful masks and performed a song with the aim of highlighting the close relationship between the Orthodox Church and Putin.

The women were arrested two weeks later.

According to reports and videos of the event, there was no violence or damage to the premises, and PEN believes that the women have been treated particularly severely because of the lyrics of the song they performed , which was composed in the form of a supplication or intercession prayer, in this case addressed to the Virgin Mary.

The heavy prison sentence announced today, which has caused widespread outrage, is huge blow for freedom of expression in Russia and highlights the growing trend of oppression in the country.

Read PEN International's translation of their “punk prayer” Punk Moleben and its contex.

Read PEN Russia’s open letter to Vladimir Putin in support of Pussy Riot members.

We also recommend articles and tweets by The Guardian's Moscow correspondent Miriam Elder, who was present at the trial: @MiriamElder

Write A Letter

  • Expressing shock at the two-year sentences handed to Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Ekaterina Samusevich;
  • Adding that long-term imprisonment for an action that did not cause physical damage to any person, building, or property would in other circumstances have resulted in a lesser punishment, caution or financial penalty ;
  • Pointing out that the harsh sentence is clearly in retaliation for the lyrics of the song performed by Pussy Riot members, containing language that is strongly critical of the Church and of President Putin in particular, and that this is in breach of international conventions, specifically Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which Russia is a signatory;
  • Therefore calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the three women.

Send Your Letter To

Mr. Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Kremlin
Moscow
Russia
Fax: +7 095 206 5173 / 230 2408
Send a message through the Kremlin web site

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Russia in your country if possible.



Messages of solidarity to the prisoners can be sent via Free Pussy Riot!