Sting Adds Voice to Supporters of Punk Prisoners

The case of Pussy Riot continues to gather international support and attention, promoting Vladimir Putin’s government as a repressive organ, willing to illegally imprison those who speak out against it.

U.S. Musician Sting released this message ahead of his Moscow concert: ‘Dissent is a legitimate and essential right in any democracy and modern politicians must accept this fact with tolerance. A sense of proportion – and a sense of humor – is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. Surely the Russian authorities will completely drop these spurious charges and allow the women, these artists, to get back to their lives and to their children.‘

RFE/RL on Pussy Riot: ‘Once an obscure performance art act, they are now global stars with the dignity that comes with being oppressed.’

The group have written a letter of thanks to their supporters: ‘We are joyful to hear about those who support us in our trial, and we don’t understand the toughness and rudeness of opponents.  We aren’t supporters of violence, and we don’t bear a grudge against anyone. Our laughter is mixed with tears, and our sarcasm is a reaction to abuse of law.‘