Russian feminists (Pussy Riot) convicted and sentenced

[MadrasT]

Pussy Riot members jailed for two years for hooliganism

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 jailed the three defendants for two years each.

She said the women had "crudely undermined social order" during their action in February.

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.

Link: Pussy Riot members jailed for two years for hooliganism

[NYC_SKP]

1. Two Years!? Fuck that. I wish they'd have been able to get out...

...and find asylum here or someplace.

[MadrasT]

2. Link to thread in GD (just saw it)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021148604

[redqueen]

3. Unfair, but not surprising.

I was listening to the judge's comments this morning, the crap about religious hatred is just ridiculous. Putin got what he wanted, but I doubt this will slow the other members down.

[redqueen]

4. ...

"I am not afraid of you and I am not afraid of the thinly veneered deceit of your verdict at this ‘so-called' trial. My truth lives with me. I believe that honesty, free-speaking and the thirst for truth will make us all a little freer. We will see this come to pass." - Maria Alyokhina

[MadrasT]

5. Oh the horror

The judge is reading out detailed descriptions of how several believers -- the crime's victims -- said they were insulted by the womens' actions. "Their clothes didn’t conform to Church rules," the judge says, among many other complaints. "The normal functioning of the Church was violated."

Judge notes that the women were wearing short dresses. "When they bowed (before the altar), their dresses rode up."

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