Feminist punk band Pussy Riot face three years in jail under tough russian anti-blashphemy laws.
The verdict, due on 17 August, hangs in the balance after a provocative performance on the alter of a Moscow Cathedral denounced President Putin’s crackdown on pro-democracy protesters earlier this year.
The performance was designed to raise attention to the politicisation of the Orthodox Church, whose chief god botherer publicly backed authoritarian president Vladimir Putin during the rigged elections in March.
The three are charged with hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. The federal prosecutor Alexei Nikiforov claims “The actions of the accomplices clearly show religious hatred and enmity,” and said “They must be isolated from society.”
Against claims that the protest had no political motive, defence lawyers argued that the women’s performance was an obviously act of opposition against Putin, the name of the song was “Virgin Mary, Chase Putin Out” and it was clearly not motivated by religious hatred.
The case has reawakened anti-government anger that first emerged when Putin announced last autumn that he was returning to the presidency. The huge protests were met with vicious police repression; now the government is determined to reassert control.
One of the lawyers representing the women said they were being treated horrifically and being tortured – denied food and adequate sleep. Opposition activists have called for protests to be held on 19 August against the treatment of the women.
Another lawyer for the women gave an impassioned speech warning of the consequences of a conviction. “Russia has no rule of law. Russia has no justice system,” he said. “Nothing has changed from Soviet times.” He warned that a guilty verdict would “definitely tear up relations between society and government”.
The trial has been widely publicised, with support coming in from across the world.
A guilty verdict and harsh sentence could backfire, and worries over repercussions seem to be behind the decision to delay the verdict.
Solidarity flashmob protests are being organised in the UK in Leeds and London for Sunday 12th August
Solidarity with Pussy Riot – release them now
Scrap blasphemy laws
Down with Putin and his gang!
