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Subscribe to RSSThree members of the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot remain in jail after a performance in protest of Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday he thought that three female members of punk band Pussy Riot who were sentenced to two years in jail for a political protest in a Moscow cathedral should be freed.
Medvedev, who was president for four years until May, appeared to be trying to disassociate himself from the jail terms that were condemned as excessive by the West and rights groups at home, as well as by liberal Russians.
As president, Medvedev styled himself as a liberal reformer, and though he handed the presidency back to Vladimir Putin he has made it clear he wants to remain in politics and perhaps even return to the presidency one day.
The three band members -- Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich -- were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred on Aug. 17 after belting out a profanity-laced song criticizing Putin on the altar of Moscow's main cathedral in February.
Russian court sentences Pussy Riot rockers to 2 years in prison
They have been in jail since March and their appeal proceedings are due to begin on Oct. 1.
Dmitry Astakhov / AP
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
"The prolongation of their incarceration in the conditions of jail seems to me to be unproductive," Medvedev said in televised remarks. "A suspended sentence, taking into account time they have already spent (in jail), would be entirely sufficient."
However, Medvedev also criticized the women, saying he was "sickened by what they did, by their looks, by the hysteria which followed what had happened."
He said prison is "very, very strict" punishment as a rule.
Pussy Riot supporters protest at Russian cathedral as global campaign heats up
Medvedev emphasized he was expressing his personal view only and was not seeking to influence the case.
According to the BBC, it is unclear whether his comments could bring about a softening of the women's sentences. Medvedev's influence in Russia is limited, the report added.
Police: Russian killer wrote Pussy Riot message to mislead us
The band members had faced up to seven years in prison, but Putin said during the trial that they should not be judged "too harshly" and prosecutors subsequently requested three-year sentences; they were sentenced to two years each in the end.
In a television interview last week, Putin declined to comment on whether he believed the sentences were fitting, saying he was not interfering in the case.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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When either of these two speak (Putin and Medvedyev) , it's essentially meaningless. These Women are unwilling pawns, and these two dictators are going to hand the "presidency" back and forth for as long as they like. Notice how he had to clarify how "sickened" he was by these Women. It's all for show, it's all a part of the steady incitement/appeasement cycle of the masses. Putin stating that he would not interfere with the case is actually sickening.
John-803433-
I agree with you about those two dictators, I dont know about you but free pussy is better than locked up pussy....
These DICKtator morons should let these little girls go! They did nothing wrong but excercise their "assumed" right to free speech.
I'm a strong supporter of Free Pussy.
Awe man, if they release Pussy Riot, I won't have the pleasure to hear mainstream media try to say their name with a straight face anymore.
Anyway, Med is taking the step in the right direction.
And to think what the great IRON CURTAIN nation of Russia has come to. From SPUTNIK to PUSSY RIOT. This is a sad day indeed, in Moscov. Can't we get back to the days of bombs and radiation and nukes and militarism on a scale never before seen? Oh...wait....ok. Right. Now America has become that country. OK. Never mind. You can have your pussy riot in Russia. No problemo!
Dems apologize for using Russian warships in convention tribute to vets
I can imagine Mitt Romney saying that he was "sickened by what they did, by their looks, by the hysteria which followed what had happened." Elect Republicans in the US so that our goverment can eventually replicate official Russian behavior in the Pussy Riot case. They will ultra-sound their way through the Bill of Rights until there is no meaning to that document. Free Pussy Riot!
You don't have to. Democrats already accomplished most of the work and working hard as we discuss this.
I have no problem with them getting a $100 fine for trespass and then have community service. They deserve at least that but no jail time.
You should nominate yourself for the Russian judgeship.
Deja Vu Jimmy Carter. First time since 1979 that a US Ambassador has been killed. Democrat last time and a democrat this time.
Wow. I didn't know the US Ambassador to Russia was killed. I need to hop over to Fox News for more breaking news like this!
Does the president, or the prime minister in Russia have the authority to commute a sentence, or to pardon, like they do in other countries? If so, then the pussy could be free tonight.
Mr. Putin can do anything that he likes.
Repugnicans must be quite jealous of Putan's ability to enforce his own brand of morality. Tea Traitors would like nothing better than to silence the voice of reason, especially since their platform cannot withstand even shallow scrutiny. Our Founding Fathers were quite prescient in anticipating this and providing us with the Bill of Rights, which dashes many a Tea Traitor's hopes for quick success.
Yawn huh? Is it the non gay agenda ,anti immigration agenda or what that's got you riled.Christianity?.Personally I consider republicans AND democrats virtual traitors to the American people
At least Tea Party only talks about it.
Democrats are doing it right now.
Putin isn't listening. He doesn't listen to anyone. He knows everything and is the only intelligent being in all of Russia, according to him.
I didn't know Obama was a republican.
I am also agree this Pussies need to be set free and sent to US to study with Madonna ... they dont worth it yet to take care of their art, and need to be well trained and promoted. Such a genius artists getting screwed in prison .. it's not right )))
They should have received ten years for their lewd display and profanity DURING an Orthodox service ! These zionist low life pigs have NO respect for fellow human beings. They are also sex offenders as well ! One of them pulled a chicken out of their vagina at a super market for all ages to see ! Trash like this should be in a mental hospital as well ! This is not a freedom of speece issue at all as these sick rock stars try to mislead the sheeple ! These are crimes and therefore you must do the time !
Really Tony! Wow man! Was it a cock or a hen? Leave them in prison or maybe the gypsies will bail them out. Perfect for the circus.
Medvedev and Putin having beat up the Pussy Riot rock group with a two year jail sentence, now act as if they had nothing to do with it. That Putin controls the Russian Orthodox Church, this sentencing points to it well. In short, a putrid, Putin curtain has fallen over Russia. The case is not hard to make. The Blessed Mary is still right, "All the world needs to pray for Russia". Its leaders are "breaking bad".
Medvedev and Putin smashed the Pussy Riot rock group with a two year jail sentence and now they act as if they had clean hands. That Putin controls the Russian Orthodox Church, should (with this sentencing) be clear to everyone. Its also clear that a putrid, Putin curtain has descended over Russia to stifle and strike down any who displease. The Blessed Mary continues to be right that "All the world needs to pray for Russia". Its leaders are "breaking bad".
A group of self proclaimed feminists from Russian, dressed up in colorful costumes and dancing around a church singing bad things about Putin. Let's send money over there to fix this somehow; right away. Much ado about nothing. The rest of the world doesn't live the way we do... dear me.