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Pussy Riot found guilty of hooliganism by Moscow court | Pussy Riot found guilty of hooliganism by Moscow court |
(40 minutes later) | |
Three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, over a protest in a cathedral. | Three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, over a protest in a cathedral. |
Judge Marina Syrova said the women had "crudely undermined social order" during their action in February. | Judge Marina Syrova said the women had "crudely undermined social order" during their action in February. |
The women say their "punk prayer" was a political act in protest against the Russian Orthodox Church leader's support of President Vladimir Putin. | The women say their "punk prayer" was a political act in protest against the Russian Orthodox Church leader's support of President Vladimir Putin. |
Prosecutors are seeking a three-year jail sentence. | Prosecutors are seeking a three-year jail sentence. |
The verdict is still being read out. | The verdict is still being read out. |
Judge Syrova said Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, had offended the feelings of Orthodox believers and shown a "complete lack of respect". | |
"Tolokonnikova, Alyokhina and Samutsevich committed hooliganism - in other words, a grave violation of public order," she said. | |
Along with other members of their band, the women staged a flashmob-style performance of their song close to the altar in the cathedral on 21 February. | Along with other members of their band, the women staged a flashmob-style performance of their song close to the altar in the cathedral on 21 February. |
Their brief, obscenity-laced performance, which implored the Virgin Mary to "throw Putin out", enraged the Orthodox Church - its leader Patriarch Kirill said it amounted to blasphemy. | Their brief, obscenity-laced performance, which implored the Virgin Mary to "throw Putin out", enraged the Orthodox Church - its leader Patriarch Kirill said it amounted to blasphemy. |
Worldwide protests | |
Alyokhina, Tolokonnikova and Samutsevich, watching proceedings from inside a glass-walled cage in the courtroom, smiled as the widely predicted verdict was delivered. | |
On Thursday, Tolokonnikova had said she was "not bitter about being in jail". But, speaking through her lawyer on Twitter, she said: "Politically, I am furious." | |
"Our imprisonment serves as a clear and unambiguous sign that freedom is being taken away from the entire country," she said. | |
The women have been detained for the past five months. | |
Their defence lawyer said before the hearing that they were hoping for an acquittal, "but they are ready to continue to fight". | |
Large crowds of supporters have gathered outside the court in Moscow, including prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. | Large crowds of supporters have gathered outside the court in Moscow, including prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. |
However critics of the band are also protesting. | However critics of the band are also protesting. |
Some in Russian see the case as an attempt by the government to crack down on dissent. | |
Protests are being held around the world in support of the band members. The band have also had vocal support from artists including Paul McCartney and Madonna, and from politicians. | |
Are you in Russia? What is your reaction to the verdict? You can send us your comments using the form below. |