Pussy Riot Asks U.S. for Help

Sep. 22, 2012

WASHINGTON — The husband of a jailed Pussy Riot rocker has asked for U.S. sanctions against Russian officials involved in prosecuting the musicians.

Pyotr Verzilov, married to band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, told U.S. lawmakers late last week that he hoped the Magnitsky bill, which would impose sanctions on Russian officials involved in human rights violations, could be used to pressure officials to release his wife and others.

“They are greatly afraid of having their bank accounts shut off,” he said.

Verzilov also met Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who said Russia should release the musicians.

“I don’t see why people should not sing whatever they want to sing,” she said. Unless they sing terribly, she added jokingly.

(AP)

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