On August 17, three Pussy Riot band members were sentenced to two years in prison for their provocative punk prayer performed in Moscow's Christ the Savior Church. The trial, replete with numerous legal violations, and the disproportionate verdict triggered protests around the world. The Institute of Modern Russia covered these events prior to the verdict in the media-review "Pussy Riot: A Cause Célèbre."
IMR's mission is to promote political freedom and the rule of law in Russia. Because of this, we support political prisoners and the fight against human rights violations. The Pussy Riot case is a crucial link in an extensive chain of crimes committed by the current Russian administration. While the band's performance in the main Russian Orthodox Church of the country is undoubtedly controversial, this is not a time for ethical reprimands. It must be stressed that the verdict is politically motivated. That is why we support the international campaign to free the jailed band members.
The day before the event, the band members explained to a BBC-Russia correspondent why they thought attracting media attention by perfoming an anti-Putin prayer in a church is the most efficient way to fight.
