Amnesty International Appeal:: Urgent Action: ALLEGED FEMINIST PUNK SINGERS DETAINED - Russia case for your attention
Andrew Grigorenko
In March three young women: Maria Alekhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Ekaterina Samutsevich, were arrested in Moscow in connection with the performance of a protest song held by a feminist punk group 'Pussy Riot' in Moscow Christ the Saviour cathedral. Even though the three women denied any involvement with the action they have been detained and charged with hooliganism. If found guilty they could be jailed for up to seven years.
Even if the three women did take part in the protest, the severity of the response of the Russian authorities would not be a justifiable response to the peaceful - if, to many, offensive - expression of their political beliefs. Amnesty International considers the three women prisoners of conscience.
On 19 April their detention was further extended until 24 June. The lawyers are appealing against the decision. Your action might change the cause of things and help the three women to be released. Please, send your appeals to the targets in the Urgent Action attached below and help to 'spread the word'.
Many thanks!
With best wishes,
Russia team
Natalia Prilutskaya
Campaigner, Russia Team
Europe and Central Asia Programme
Amnesty International,
International Secretariat
1Easton Street, London WC1X 0DW
Tel: =44 (0) 20 7413 5985
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7956 1157
Email: npri...@amnesty.org
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Andrew P. Grigorenko
President of General Petro Grigorenko Foundation
www.grigorenko.org