Pussy Riot have been found guilty of hooliganism relating to their improvised show at a Moscow cathedral.
The trial of Pussy Riot has become an international event. Yesterday (August 16th) support came flooding in from all quarters, with iconic artists such as Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney writing to the punk group.
Charged with hooliganism by Russian authorities after a show at a Moscow cathedral earlier this year, the summing up statements were given yesterday. Now Judge Marina Syrova has found the group guilty of all charges. (via BBC)
The judge argued that Pussy Riot had “crudely undermined social order” during their improvised show at the cathedral.
Prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum sentence of three years in jail for the young artists.
More on this as it happens.
UPDATE
Russian authorities have handed two year sentences to each of the three Pussy Riot members on trial. Supporters of the group are holding a vocal protest outside the courtroom, with reports from Moscow indicating that police have removed several high profile figures.
Leaders of the opposition – including Russian chess player Gary Kasparov – have been removed from the scene.
The sentence has already sparked widespread condemnation, with Amnesty labelling the decision “A bitter blow for freedom of expression in Russia”.
