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Pussy Riot Receive International Support from the Rock World
Indie | Monday 6th August 2012 | Osh
The feminist punk-rock band has received universal backing from musicians around the world following their arrest in Russia.
The band that originate from Moscow and are renowned for their politically motivated and often impromptu performances, as well as their bizarre and outrageous clothing that had three of their members arrested on charges of hooliganism in March earlier this year. Their arrest followed a performance in a church which led to the group being escorted off the premises. The treatment of the three held under arrest has also drawn large amounts of attention internationally and has even led to them being recognised as political prisoners.
The arrests have not only drawn international attention politically but in a show of solidarity musicians worldwide have come forward to appeal for a fair trial for the members of the band who have all pleaded not guilty to the charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Amongst those giving their support are: Pete Townsend, Johnny Marr, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kate Nash, Cornershop, Corinne Bailey Ray, The Joy Formidable and Jarvis Cocker.
Considering the terrible loss of political prisoner lives under dictatorial communist Russia, the decision of the Russian authorities to imprison the band looks like a step backwards for a country which has turned itself around since the days of the Soviet Union. One thing that can be taken from the situation is the unity and support shown by the world’s musicians towards a humanitarian issue showing that despite wealth and fame they still care for their fellow musicians.
By Joe Longhurst
