Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has called for Pussy Riot to be freed.
The sentence handed down to Pussy Riot seemed to cause an outpouring of resentment towards Russia’s political system from the West. However it would be deeply unfair to believe that the country is united in its bigotry against the group.
Several prominent figures have stood out in support of the band, with the country’s Prime Minister now wading into the debate. Dmitry Medvedev has made several comments on the case, stating his belief that the jail sentence handed to the band is simply too strong.
The Wall Street Journal report that Dmitry Medvedev commented on the case during a regional meeting of the United Russia party. Speaking to the crowd, the politician said: “Prolonging their time in prison in connection to this case seems unproductive”.
Continuing, Medvedev gave his assessment on the case. “The term is very strong. I would even say a terrible burden. I don’t want to replace the judge… but the time they have already served is, in essence, more than enough to make them think about what happened, whether it was from their own stupidity or for other reasons.”
The statement from the politician seems to be quite measured – Medvedev points out that he was “sickened” both by their actions and the resulting “hysteria” around the case.
Here’s a recent message from Pussy Riot to their supporters.
