Pussy Riot Convicted

Devastating news for Russian democracy came today with the news that three members of Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years each in a penal colony. The band drew international attention after performing a “punk prayer” in the Christ our Saviour cathedral in Moscow. The song called for the Virgin Mary to remove President Vladimir Putin from power and included many profanities. The case has divided Russia, many of Putin’s strongest supporters are very religious Conservatives, and to them this was blasphemy.  Many in the Orthodox Church felt that Pussy Riot should have been given an even harsher sentence.

Although I completely understand why many Christians would be offended by this, I also believe that what Pussy Riot did was right. Ever since Putin returned to the Kremlin earlier this year (in a rigged election), there have been numerous laws passed that crackdown on dissent and opposition. When Pussy Riot performed their song, they understood that the consequences for them personally would be grave, but this has given them a national and international stage to speak of their grievances. They have received widespread support in Russia and abroad, many artists such as Madonna, have come out in their support and calling for their release.

Today as the final verdict of guilty was given to the three band members (other band members not involved in this particular stunt are still free) up to 50 protesters were arrested outside the court room. Afterwards the chorus of international condemnation began with governments and institutions in America, Britain and the European Union brandishing the imprisonment as proof that Russia has lost its freedom of speech.

The next few days will be very important for the future of democracy in Russia, watch the public reaction to their conviction. If there are protests in Moscow then they will have been successful, and even if there isn’t, it still brought attention back to Russia’s lack of freedoms.