Three supporters and a demonstrator against all-female punk band Pussy Riot were detained outside a Moscow courthouse Wednesday morning where a judge upheld the arrests of two band members on charges of hooliganism.
Among those detained was Peter Verzilov, of art group Voina, who protested in support of the jailed women, and nationalist Congress of Russian Communities party member Alexander Bosykh, who supported the women’s detention, Interfax reported.
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina are being held while awaiting trial on charges of hooliganism for their alleged participation in a Feb. 21 performance by the band inside Christ the Savior Cathedral.
They face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
At the hearing, a judge denied a request by lawyers for both women to be released, the Rapsi legal news agency reported. The women are scheduled to be held until April 24.
Supporters of the two women say they should be released while awaiting trial since they pose no threat to society and both have young children.
Orthodox demonstrators in favor of their arrest picketed in front of the courthouse Wednesday morning, holding signs with the message “The blasphemers should answer to criminal law 213, part two,” the section of the Criminal Code defining the charge of hooliganism that the women face.
Supporters of the women held signs adorned with photographs of them.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
