Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot – three members of whom are currently in prison – will be honoured with a peace award next month.
As many readers are no doubt aware, three members of the band were arrested last March after performing a song in a church calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be removed from power. They have been in jail ever since, and were last month sentenced to two years in prison for “hooliganism”.
Iceland’s officially condemned the sentence, with Minister of the Interior Ögmundur Jónasson telling reporters, “To be honest, I thought Russia was headed in another direction than this verdict shows. I think it underlines a restriction on the freedom of expression. Of course these girls insulted those in power with their performance, but in a democratic society, civilians can insult authority figures without being tossed in a dungeon.”
Vísir now reports that the band will be honoured with a peace award on October 9, on Viðey island, by the Yoko Ono Peace Tower. Accepting the award on the band’s behalf will be the husband of one of the members of the band.
Others who will be honoured with peace awards that day will be Rachel Corrie, Christopher Hitchens and John Perkins.
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