Pussy Riot: Jailed for singing

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‘Big thank you for all your support. Your support has encouraged us and helped us to stay strong at this difficult time.’ – Maria, Ekaterina and Nadezhda

Punk prisoners of conscience

In August 2012, Moscow’s City Court jailed three members of the punk band Pussy Riot for two years.

Maria Alekhina, Ekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were convicted of ‘hooliganism on the grounds of religious hatred’ after playing a gig in Moscow’s main Orthodox cathedral, and miming along to lyrics that criticised the relationship of President Vladimir Putin with Russia's Orthodox Church.

We believe that the three women were punished by authorities on politically motivated grounds. Their right to free speech was curtailed, and as such they are prisoners of conscience. Demand their release now

Sent to labour camps

In October 2012, Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were sentenced to two years in prison, and sent to labour colonies. Ekaterina Samutsevich was given a suspended sentence and released from prison.

Prevented from bringing up their young children

24 year-old Maria asked for her sentence to be postponed until her son, now five, turns 14. In January 2013 her appeal for deferral was heard before the court, who dismissed it. Nadezhda too asked for her sentence to be deferred so she could care for her child, but this has not been granted.

Still at risk in detention?

During her time at the IK-28 penal colony Maria has spoken out on human rights, demanding access to her lawyer and complaining about 'household issues'. According to a spokesperson for the Federal Penal Service, she is currently being held in a punishment block 'for her own safety'. In a recent interview with Russian newspaper Novayagazeta, Maria explains this was initially because she went to the warden to raise concern after receiving threats from inmates who she now believes to be employed by the prison authorities. The conclusion of these investigations, she says, was that Maria is in danger from other inmates and must remain in the ‘safe place’.

In a separate interview, Nadezhda explained that she and her fellow inmates are given access to a shower just once a week, and are expected to wash in cold water at all other times. Read the full interviews

Maria and Nadezhda are prisoners of conscience. Please ask for their immediate release.

Alexander Vladimirovich Yakovenko

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UK

Subject

Your Excellency,

Your Excellency

I welcome the fact that Ekaterina Samutsevich of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot was released from custody on 10 October 2012. However, I am concerned that it was a conditional release.

I believe that Ekaterina and two other members of Pussy Riot, Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, should never have been prosecuted in the first place. While it is true that many Russians were offended by Pussy Riot’s performance of a protest song in a cathedral on 21 February 2012, the women never incited violence.

I am deeply dismayed that Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda,Tolokonnikova remain in jail. I call on the Russian authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally as they are prisoners of conscience, solely detained for the peaceful expression of their views.

I urge the Russian authorities to ensure that while the two women are in custody, they are not ill-treated or intimidated by prison staff or inmates.

Furthermore I call on the Russian authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression in the Russian Federation.

I kindly ask you to ensure that these concerns are passed on to the Russian government.

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Pussy Riot: Jailed for singing

Punk prisoners of conscience

Sent to labour camps

Prevented from bringing up their young children

Still at risk in detention?