The Pussy Riot judgement was passed down today by the Russian courts. The judge found the band guilty of "hooliganism" because they staged an anti-Putin rally in a Russian Orthodox Church. The women have been sentenced to two years in prison for their crime, and I wasn't even aware that hooliganism was a crime.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a controversial figure in Russia and the world. He won his last election amid charges that their was vote rigging, and he has since ordered a clamp-down on anti-government expression in society.
Many international celebrities including Madonna and Paul McCartney have brought attention to the Pussy Riot judgement. It seems that Russians themselves are not nearly as upset though. Perhaps they have come to expect a response like this to political activism.
Freedom of expression needs to be protected. Stand up in protest against the Pussy Riot judgement.
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