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Subscribe to RSSMembers of the band Pussy Riot, arrested in February after storming a Moscow cathedral, were sentenced to two years in jail Friday. Critics say the arrest was Putin's personal revenge, raising questions about justice in Russia. NBC's Duncan Golestani reports.
Church officials at a German cathedral have filed charges against three masked activists who disrupted a Sunday mass in support of the Russian rock group Pussy Riot, the officials confirmed to NBC News.
Two days after the Pussy Riot verdict in Moscow, the copycats stormed into the mass at Cologne cathedral and shouted “Free Pussy Riot,” while throwing leaflets into the crowd.
After less than a minute, the activists were escorted out by church wardens.
Prosecutors told NBC News that under German law, the two men and one woman could be prosecuted for the disruption of free practice of religion.
Russian court sentences Pussy Riot rockers to 2 years in prison
If convicted, they could face up to three years in prison – compared to the two-year sentence given to their heroines in Russia.
Russian clerics forgive Pussy Riot, ask for mercy
In an interview with Cathedral Radio, the dean of the Cologne Cathedral, Monsignore Robert Kleine, said: "It is legitimate and certainly appropriate to protest the verdict ... in public [in Germany], for example in squares. But there are borders, especially when the rights of others are impaired."
"The right to demonstration cannot be set above the right to religious freedom and above the religious feelings of the congregation," Kleine added.
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Leave a Comment:
Lock them up and throw away the key.
Throw the book at them. It is like yelling fire in a movie theater. You walk into a church and shout free pussy, what do you expect, of course there will be a riot, more like a stampede. Wait, just read the article, never mind.
dont throw the book at them, condemn and disrupt the Catholic church. They are the main organization that preaches hate speech, greed and anti personal freedoms. This needs to keep on happening until the planet earth sees the carnage that the church has caused. Jesus Christ did not teach this deceitful message nor did he walk the path of their corrupt social agendas
Yeah, that's it. Just trespass and disrupt any business or organization you don't agree with. Many some of the churches should band together and go down to the GLADD offices and throw a hissy fit.
First, why where these @!$%#s protesting in a German church for something that happened in Russia? Are people really that stupid? (don't bother to answer)
Personally I think the girls in Russia were punished excessively for what they did, but these clowns are taking it on someone who contributed nothing to the issue at hand, and deserve what they get.
If you oppose what happened to the the protested in Russia, then protest in from of every Russian Embassy! Or go to Russia and protest there. Yelling at me or burning my car in Virginia doesn't help all that much. Putin might even be amused.
On the other hand, the Catholic Church has much to answer for. But please show you have a brain and protest against what THEY have done, not against what someone else in another country has done.
Just makes me want to launch in a swearing fit.
"Are people really that stupid? (don't bother to answer)"
I don't know why... but that made me laugh. Thanks Steven... have a good weekend.
While I strongly support Pussy Riot's right of free speech as well as that of these protestors, they broke the law by disrupting worshipers and should be held accountable for that offense.
This law is designed to protect ALL religions and I suspect the feelings about it would be very different if Nazi skinheads interrupted services at a Mosque or Synagogue with some of their BULL$H*T.
I do believe that three years seems excessive and such a sentence should only be given when damage to church property or injury happens during a protest or other disruption of a religious service. I'd go with a plea deal of public nuisance and allow them to work it off with some community service and probation (I'm not sure how wrist slaps work in Germany since I stayed well clear of their criminal justice system while I was there).
Pussy Riots were not jailed for their "right to free speech". They were jailed for being hooligans, desecrating a church and inciting hate against Orthodox faith. Besides, contrary to what you read in US newspapers there was nothing anti-Putin in their disgusting rant. They just kicked their legs and shouted expletives. Somebody put them up to it. They are too dumb an talentless to come up with something like that on their own. It was a way to see how the society, the Orthodox Church and especially the state are going to react, how far they can be pushed. Pussys had it coming. They should've been jailed for having a gang bang in a Zoological Museum in Moscow in front of all the visitors including children or for stealing a frozen chicken out of the supermarket by stuffing that poor bird in a vagina as if chicken haven't suffered enough already (bet you have not read about that in the newspapers). They actually posted the video of both these acts on YouTube. They were not prosecuted for these acts in any way which is mindboggling. goes to show you give these clowns a finger they'll try to bite your whole arm off. They only became "anti-Putin" when their asses were thrown in jail. I think they got off easily for all the garbage they pulled. If I were a judge, i would have given them a maximum sentence allowed by the law.
What would make them think their tactics would work. DUH hey guys I have a great idea to free the Vagina Ruckus, lets run screaming through a church. Oh and lets do it in another country too. How dumb can people get. The world is getting too dangerous with all of this safety and laws to protect people from themselves.Maybe we need to drop some of them so natural selection can take care of the idiots.
If walking is Zen and sitting is also Zen, then certainly acts of sacrilege are done with as much faith as those of worship.
If my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle. You need to get out more.
That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard....
**clears throat**
...Y'all must be conservatives.
.
...and you seem to forget that Jesus once protested in a place of worship.
Technically, he protested against business people running a dishonest practice in a place of worship. Details are sometimes important.
Like most churches nowadays aren't running as businesses? Specifically political advertising machines.
Denver bill... Now that was really funny.
You're right Steven X, details are sometimes important.
Jesus was arrested shortly after the cleansing of the temple, it is basically considered the act that was the final straw to his arrest that ended in his crucifixion. Your observation is only partially correct, it was the practice of the businesses themselves in a temple of worship that was defiling the temple... the fairness of the practice mattered not. Still, such consideration, in whole or in part is off base. Jesus's motives were not exculpatory and all that mattered was that he did what he did, where he did it.
thegreatsquare: my point of the "unfairness' of the practice was more "icing on the cake", and I agree with your point that business in the temple was prohibited. However, Jesus comment on making the temple a "den of robbers" does allude to the fact he noted their unfairness. Big Business 9and fly by night small ones) should keep thyis inj mind, as many use religion to their advantage.
Nevertheless, my comment was an attempt to point out that Jesus act was directed toward the people responsible. What the kids did in Germany was not. As I pointed out earlier, protest at the Russian Embassy. If you'r mad at my neighbor, don't throw trash in my yard as an act of revenge.
Again, I also pointed out most organized religions have a lot to answer for. But make them answer for the crimes they do commit (should keep everyone busy enough!).
One last point: Most people who bring Jesus into Politics (Jusus would never drive a Hummer) tend to forget that he would not belong in any political party, nor would he want to.
I hope our political leaders are seeing how Germany puts the rights of the people ahead of the rights of the protesters.
Actually, Russia already did it and sentenced their own protesters.
The protesters are some of the people. How many protesters would you need to become "the people"?
How quick we are to throw away freedom of speech when we disagree with the speech...
Hey, James3672256, what happened if they ran through your church, screaming that? Would you realize that even your liberal ideas have limits? Or maybe because it happened in a church it doesn't matter? Typical liberal viewpoint.
Only a fool would ignore the fact that they were protesting the treatment of Pussy Riot in Russia, which was itself a protest against Putin. The church was a symbol of Putin's power in Russia. In Germany it was a stage for peaceful political protest. No one was protesting the religion. No one was harmed, it was over fast. The churchgoers were victims of a minor civil disobedience. Give them a fine and send the protestors home. Jail time is ludicrous. Even more so than it was for Pussy Riot's "crimes." Step back and realize this wasn't about religion.
Well James next time you have a family get together at your house let me know so we can barge in wearing masks and yell Free Pussy Riot and throw pamphlets at your family. Because you are such a swell guy, I'm betting you will offer me some cake.
In this case "the people" would not be quantified by numbers, even if there was only one person in the church service and 100 protestors, the rights of the one would still be "the people" ... everyone has rights, but when one person or persons actions infringe upon another person or persons rights, that is where it becomes an issue.
They did not break into anyone's home. While a church is private property (trespassing at best), it is not the same as busting into your house. To make that correlation is irresponsible to the conversation in an attempt to cloud the issue. Yes, i understand that as a religious person you are offended by this, but the protest was not against your religion. Had nothing to do with that. If someone wants to bust into my office, run around and throw pamphlets and yell slogans, they would be arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing. Neither of which would put them in jail.
Well said Mr. Spock but save your energy because you are dealing with Bones
As for your right of free speach ... that would be in a public venue, not on private property. Besides this was in Germany, not the US so different rules may apply. No, it would not be the same as busting into my home ... depending on the circumstance that might get you shot ... but interferring with a religious service (somehting I personally dont attend) in Germany is against the law.
I'm sure Russia and Germany's justice officials are reading these posts and regretting the stiff penalty's they served "Pussy Riot" and their supporters.
They are both under property law. A man's home is his castle is enshrined in case law. Religious freedom has the constitution but much of the law protecting your home from intrusion is the same for a private business. Yes you might get away with blowing someone's head off in your house but the law preventing someone from coming in and disrupting is the same. If I set up a protest rally in your yard you wouldn't site different laws than property rights. You would ask me to leave and if I didn't you would call the police and I would be arrested for trespassing. But according to your sentiment you would not call the police because of free speech.
"They did not break into anyone's home" Sorry James... there are millions of Christians that will say it's the Lord's house. Gotta keep it real.
I understand that they feel that those in Russia were jailed harshly, but taking that out on an innocent church in another country is not the answer.
Now they might feel that the Russian sentence wasn't that harsh after all.
I wonder if someone will protest their prison terms, could be perpetual.
“Free Pussy Riot"? I saw one of those in Vegas
Ditto.... but it's futile to Riot for Free Pussy... plenty to go around. ;0)
I agree, pussy should have its god given right to be free. hell, everything else has rights !
I wouldn't want my taxes paying for the 3-year incarceration of protesters whose disruption did not result in injury or damage to property.
I do appreciate the speed and efficiency with which the trial and sentencing phases were carried out.
So, according to your logic, you wouldn't want me incarcerated if I disrupted your child's birthday party, so long as I didn't hurt anyone or take a bite of the cake.
I think that's exactly what he's saying. I love how all you guys bring children into arguments that don't involve them just to get an emotional rise out of people.
Ok Lyaso... let's not use children... let's say... ... ... a church service is that better.
A church service that Im 90% certain had children attending.
Exactly.
This act of civil disobedience deserves a harsh penalty. Let's see, no one hurt. No property destroyed. Church got delayed by a few minutes. A $20 fine ought to cover it. Christianity: the religion of forgiveness and mercy, unless we don't feel like it.
I guess you would not have a problem if you and your family were praying at 11:00 PM at night, in your own home, and just enjoying peace with your family and God. Then 3 masked people barged into your home, (You dont know who these people are) or if they have guns) and started saying pussy this, pussy that, I am a pussy cat and started screaming like a bunch of idiot morons and invading your privacy, scaring your children, and stripping you of your dignity and sense of safeness in your own home!
The police come and you smile and say, "It's ok officers, I am a Christian… please forgive them and a $20 fine should take care of this.
In the USA, you are more likely to be shot in the head for doing that!! Consider these ladies lucky they didn't get more than 3 years. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable.
RR123, you, or your church can pay the $30k per inmate a year...
I AGREE 100% Now lets see these fools do this in a muslem mosque
tony, or they could make the inmates be financially responsible for their board and lodging.
Three years seems a little excessive though considering the loon in Norway only got 11-20 for a massacre.
A $20 fine? Certainly not a three year sentence but $20??? Would it make a difference if two friends and I were running around a classroom full of young kids all while shouting and wearing masks. $20 fine would do nothing but encourage other protesters of whatever it may be to do the same. I get what you are saying because it is true. A three year sentence is way out of hand because as you stated no property damage, nobody injured, but for the prevention of others doing the same, some jail time and/or maybe a fine would do.
RR123, if they broke into your house and did that it would be a totally different situation. This is a legitimate protest that should be covered under Free Speech and Right to Assemble. Give them a disorderly conduct fine for doing it in a church and send them on their way. The fact that it happened in a church shouldn't change the penalty, especially when they weren't even protesting anything religious.
The church is private property. You need permission of the owner to protest on private property. They did not have permission. They were trespassing.
This crime has nothing to do with Christianity it has to do with the law. It is against the Law in Germany to disrupt the free practice of religion - period ... no matter what religion, church, synagogue, temple etc ... it is against he law ... if you can't do the time, don't do the crime ...
And do people normally get 3 years for trespassing? We're talking a non violent situation. 3 years is completely over the top.
It's not for trespassing. What is so hard to understand about that? It's for disrupting the rights of others to practice their faith. That's a big deal in Germany. Probably has something to do with the 6 million people killed in and around Germany for their faith.
The article said they COULD get three years. It didn't say they WILL get three years. You people need to get a grip.
Trespassing would not usually get you three years here in the US. However, breaking and entering would. If these protesters burst into this private property then it could qualify as just that.
@zevonia, try trespassing on the whitehouse lawn and see if you only get a fine.
James James James...any time you tresspass to do anything you are breaking the law. When you enter onto someone elses property un-invited it is no longer a leagl protest and is not protected as free speech. Read the sentence again if it didn't soak in. perhaps 3 years sound a little harsh in this instance but only because of the intent of this little stupid stunt. The law most likely doesn't disearn between stupid or inteligent when someone tresspasses onto anothers property purposly to case harm of havic. the only way to nip this type of copy cat crap in the butt is to make it not so fun if you get caught.
This should be an excellent opportunity to show the world how the West is more humane in these matters than Russia.
Certainly they should be punished -- people need to respect the religion of others. But a harsh jail term isn't the right response. This seems as if it should be the definition of when community service would be an appropriate sentence -- their offense was against the community, so they should be made to repay the community they disrupted. That would also keep them from becoming martyrs like the original PR will be when they get out.
It was a stupid stunt, but certainly not worthy of a three year sentence. I'm sure their intent wasn't to restrict the right to practice a religion and the whole thing took place in less than a minute according to the article. Time will tell what the actual sentence will be, but an apology to the congregation and some community service would be appropriate. Let's see if the church practices what it preaches. You know, things like forgiveness, compassion, etc.
You do realize that it won't be the Church that prosecutes these idiots, right?
I dare these brave protesters to do the same in a Mosque or Synagogue. Somehow disrespecting Christianity became an Ok thing to do.
...Yep, @Mike, they are just like all these cowardly gays who keep picking on Christians because they know the Christians are more likely than others to treat them kindly. ...Sick!
Geta
How about those coward right wing Jesus freaks who protest abortion clinics. These people should go to jail. People have a right to get rid of the parasite inside them. Since when are gays cowards, I am sure many of us could kick your ass.
I have something for you to grip.
Your a fool ron
Ayatoll
You are such an idiot, go back to the Arab country you can from. If a growth inside is not wanted it should be taken out. I am sure your parents believe you are a parasite for all you moouched off of them or did they not love you that is why you are so mean.
Luke I have something to tell you it takes one to know one FU
@Ron,
Ron, how about those coward LGBT advocates who shoot innocent guards while on duty?
These type of people are in every social group Ron.
Think before you type Ron.
Ron, your violating the rules of newsvine by calling people idiots, Ron.
Take care, Ron
Sabot
All sorts of people shoot innocent people so do not group people into one camp. Does Atoll violate rules by calling me a loser, that really hurt my feelings, I am going to tell my mommy. Jesus freaks kill in the name of God and burn down legal establishments. The KKK burn and kill in the name of Jesus.
Ron, Many of you could lick my what?
@ Ron
I killed in the name of Ron the other day. That means your a horrible guy...not me.
See how fun this is? We can accuse each other, at will, without any logic.
Look, it's clear we disagree. Why don't you focus on grammar and spelling...and I'll go back to driving cars, crossing the road without a parent and generally doing stuff grown ups do.
I have no religion, but respect your right to have one and practice it in private peacefully. This was not an assault on religion. It challenged no dogma, hurt no people, damaged no property. It was a political statement done where it was done only in deference to the political inspiration. (Unless you want to try to connect this German church to Vladimir Putin of Russia, as the Pussy Riot band did in Russia with the Russian church.)
Anyway, a fine, or even just an apology, is reasonable and necessary, as we cannot just allow bad manners to go unchecked. Jail time, though, is absurdly wasteful of everyone's time and Germany's tax revenues.
I have to agree:
I love pussy, the more I get the better I feel. Why would someone go to jail for supporting pussy. The religious right wing conservatives in this country who want to push their stupid belief's upon us should be put into prison and raped everyday.
I believe I once saw a great porn movie called pussy riot, the babes were hot.
Ron wrote: Since when are gays cowards, I am sure many of us could kick your ass.
Now you're saying "the babes were hot". You are really messed up.
Trouble
Since when can't a guy appreciate hot babes and guys. Some like to do it two ways or even three ways
Do not knock it until you try it, you might like it.
Yeah, free pussy..
We old hippies from the 60's might remind you "Gas, grass, or a--, no one rides for free." But good luck.
Nelson
There is no such thing as free pussy. One way or another it will cost you a fortune, but we still go after it.
we spend 9 months trying to get out of one and then the rest of our lives trying to get back in !
I"m glad I'm in America, Where I have to right to say what I like about anyone I like without going to jail..... You all know..... like that rocker that trashed or President in a country that would have locked him up and threw away the key! Get real....This is who REVOLUTION begins.
Why should they be set free? Sure, they "only" disrupted a Church service. Sure, Christians are taught to forgive. However, a clear law needs to be enforced which says that houses of worship are not protest venues. If the Christians let everyone who wants to make a statement tromp down the aisle, interrupt services and make fools of themselves in the misguided belief that Christians are pushovers, then the doors will be thrown wide open to every group who wishes to mock religion to further their political objectives. Guess what? If you mock God and desecrate his house of worship during a service, then those are "fighting" words. Sure, I have some "traditionalist", "reactionary" or "non-progressive" views; and I don't see this as hypocritical in any way. The argument that Christians should roll over whenever confronted, "turn the other cheek" for every transgression or "behave like Christ" were all set up long ago by opponents of the faith. We're not all Quakers or pacifists. No one knows how Jesus Christ would have reacted, and to try to guess his behavior is a form of idolatry, because you can't ascribe secular, humanistic, 21st Century values to The Christ. I will say that I disagree with the whole "What Would Jesus Do? or WWJD?" fad. This is a product of religious revivalism, its meaning has become skewed; and now detractors of Christianity love to use it as a debate tactic. People saying, "practice what you preach", probably didn't attend many services. "Mercy" and "Charity" are Christian values, but respect for God is a commandment. If you make a mockery of someone's faith at his/her place of worship, then you deserve a beat down. The whole "forgiveness" issue is left to God.
"The argument that Christians should roll over whenever confronted, "turn the other cheek" for every transgression or "behave like Christ" were all set up long ago by opponents of the faith."
Actually jimb-2097724 the "turn the other cheek" line is from the gospel of Matthew (5:39) where Jesus said: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." (King James bible text). So no it was not all set up long ago by opponenets of the faith but something the man you claim to be the son of god told his followers to do. But I guess your faith tells you that you know better than your god so you just keep doing what your doing.
Note: "whenever" and "for every transgression". Do you think that all "Christians" are cut from the same cloth? There are as many groups as there are stars in the sky who view the Bible and the Church as something special and holy. Don't confuse one's turning the other cheek for a perceived personal wrong with one where one is literally standing up in defense of a religious ceremony. What you should do is trot down to a Catholic Church and ask the priest if a parishioner would be in sin for using a commensurate or lesser amount of force to prevent someone from performing an act of desecration. Be sure to bring the passage from Matthew, but bring something to take notes with as well.
An example of a microcosm of anarchy. At what level of participation will it be tolerated. One, two, hundreds, thousands. Every display is harmful and not a promotion of free speech but rather a self promotion of exhibition.
Acts of discord and violent screaming will not be greeted with open arms and sympathy, but rather with disgust and rejection.
At what point in history has any church or religion not taken a righteous stance on socio-political issues? How can any church/religion now step back and pretend to be without culpability? "All that you despise will come to your door with equal hate."
I agree with Michael Buie's agreement, but prison time is wrong. A stiff fine, community service would be sufficient. The three should then be reminded there are places to protest and if they repeat their church performance then prison might be the answer for someone who can't get it through their head. RR123 gave a good analogy above.
progressive justice. Jail isn't indicated in this instance unless it becomes a pattern. Do I think they'll forget? Depends on their IQ.
I don't think anyone is qualified to criticize the punishment unless you examine why these laws are in place in Germany. Maybe they have a reason for such a harsh penalty.
Anyway, the article said they could get up to three years in prison. It didn't say they were going to get three years. I doubt they will do any time at all.
If this protest had interrupted a prayer in a Mosque or Synagogue these same people saying "Awww just fine them and make them apologize" would be screaming that this was a hate crime.
I am a firm believer in protesting against something you think is wrong. But there is a time and place for everything. In a house of worship regardless of the faith or denomination is not appropriate. The punishment is fair. If they were to be let out, I would require them to work at the church, perhaps cleaning it after services etc.
Bet the jailed lesbians are loving this!,,New Meat comming in!
So, would the comments have the same tone if they pulled their little publicity stunt at a Planned Parenthood meeting or in a mosque?
I don't think so.
did the pussies pay there taxes ? i Isay put a tax on it, hell everthing else is taxed !