Russia: Putin 'won't intervene' in Pussy Riot case
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 September 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Putin 'won't intervene' in Pussy Riot case, 5 September 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5052e2c6c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 05, 2012
A supporter of the punk group Pussy Riot wears a T-shirt with their pictures and reading "Virgin Mary, drive Putin out!" near a court building in Moscow where they were tried in mid-August.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will not intervene in the high-profile Pussy Riot case.
In an interview aired by Russia's RT English-language television channel on September 5, Putin said he was aware of the situation around the feminist punk group, but that he would not get involved in the case at all.
Three members of the group were sentenced to two years in prison last month for their February performance in an Orthodox cathedral in Moscow calling for an end to Putin's rule.
Opposition leaders in Russia called the verdict and sentence "Putin's retaliation."
On September 3, the jailed Pussy Riot members' lawyers rejected an offer for the women to apologize on state television, reiterating their intention to appeal the trial decision in court.
Based on reporting by RT.com and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website