The three members of Russian protest outfit Pussy Riot have been found guilty of the ‘Hooliganism’ charge, a crime punishable by a maximum of 7 years.
The group were arrested after performing a protest at a Cathedral in Russia, playing the song ‘Holy Shit’ as a reference to the government’s seemingly corrupt relationship with president Vladimir Putin.
The three members of the band - who are all female, two of whom are parents - have now been found guilty and could potentially face 7 years in jail, though it’s more likely that they’ll be sentenced to 3 as this is the length the prosecution are calling for.
The detainees have been behind bars for months already and could have potentially stayed imprisoned until January 2013 had the court not come to a decision today.
The court said of the decision: “The Pussy Riot singers colluded under unestablished circumstances, for the purpose of offensively violating public peace in a sign of flagrant disrespect for citizens. The women were motivated by religious enmity and hatred, and acted provocatively and in an insulting manner inside a religious building in the presence of a large number of believers.”
The decision is a blow for the freedom of the people of Russia and will no doubt attract criticism from across the world - a range of celebrities, bands and singers have backed the group, who will probably continue to protest despite the loss of three of their members.
Putin has seemingly reacted to the pressure by activists and has stated that the females punishments should not be too harsh - though many will consider any amount of jail-time for the stars an unfair outcome.
Details of the sentencing are expected soon - stay with Stereoboard for updates.
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