Paul McCartney tweeted a message of support
today for jailed Russian punk trio Pussy Riot, who await the verdict in
their trial for performing an anti-Putin "punk prayer" in Moscow's
Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Addressing group members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and
Yekaterina Samutsevich, McCartney wrote, "I would like you to know that I
very much hope the Russian authorities would support the principle of
free speech for all their citizens and not feel that they have to punish
you for your protest."
Pussy Riot have been imprisoned since early March following their performance. A verdict is expected tomorrow, closing out proceedings that have been marked by protests
and is seen by many as a political show trial meant to warn against
challenging the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Many people in the civilized world are allowed to voice their
opinions and as long as they do not hurt anyone in doing so I believe
this is the best way forward for all societies," McCartney continued. "I
hope you can stay strong and believe that I and many others like me
who believe in free speech will do everything in our power to support
you and the idea of artistic freedom."
Prosecutors are calling for a three-year prison sentence, though the
defense hopes for a more lenient punishment. Expecting guilty verdict,
the defense recently called for worldwide rallies to support Pussy Riot
tomorrow.
McCartney joins a long list of musicians who have come out in support of Pussy Riot, including Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Patti Smith, Sting, Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna, Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker, Beastie Boy Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz and many more. Just yesterday, Canadian electro-punk artist Peaches
released a video for a track she co-wrote called "Free Pussy Riot."
She's giving the song away for free, though any donations will go to
help Pussy Riot pay their lawyer fees.
Source
Posted 08/2012
Channel Sponsor
