Russian Clerics: We Forgive Pussy Riot

UPDATE: Following Friday’s verdict that sentenced three members of the now world-famous punk band Pussy Riot to prison for a brief protest performance in a Moscow cathedral, two top Russian Orthodox Church clerics insisted the church has forgiven the women, reports the Associated Press.

"The church has been sometimes accused of not forgiving them," Tikhon Shevkunov, who is believed to be President Vladimir Putin's spiritual counselor, said. "We did forgive them from the very start. But such actions should be cut short by society and authorities." Archpriest Maxim Kozlov expressed similar sentiments on state television, but insisted that the church hopes the women and their supporters see the errors in their ways.

The words from the two top clerics came after the church reiterated its criticism of the women but called “on the state authorities to show mercy to the people convicted within the framework of the law, in the hope that they will refrain from repeating blasphemous actions." The remarks were widely seen as an indication that the powerful church would not object if the government moved to pardon the women or reduced their two-year sentences, points out Reuters.

Although the name Pussy Riot has become famous throughout the world recently, many are not aware the the punk collective’s work consists of only six songs and five videos, points out the Associated Press, that publishes a helpful guide to the band’s oeuvre.

Friday, August 18: A Russian judge sentenced the members of Russian punk group Pussy Riot to two years in jail after finding them guilty on Friday of hooliganism for a protest performance in a Moscow cathedral.

Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were arrested in March for their February unauthorized performance in Moscow's main cathedral, where the group sang "Mother of God, put Putin out," in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. They were charged with hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

Judge Marina Syrova's long summary of the witness statements and evidence against the group asserted that they engaged in "homosexual propaganda," spoke "offensive words" for Russian Orthodox adherents, wore unacceptable clothing, "imitated demonic attacks," and violated church rules by having phones and recording devices switched on. According to the judge, they also committed "acts of vandalism," as the Wall Street Journal's live blog of the verdict reports.

The judge wanted their sentencing to be a "caution to others." The group faced up to seven years in jail.

The group's members have seen an outpouring of support from those around the world who see their trial as an example of the Putin administration's authoritarian control and increasing intolerance for dissent in the country. As Reuters reports, demonstrations of support have been held in New York; London; Kiev, Ukraine; and Sofia, Bulgaria, as the verdict approached. Supporters (as well as Orthodox protesters who believe the punishment is earned) milled outside the courthouse in Moscow as the verdict was read.

For more on the band's intentions behind their protest, n +1 has published translations of the band members' closing statements from last week.