Why are these three young women, members of a female punk band, in jail facing prison terms in Russia? Because they did a brief performance, during off hours, in the state cathedral in Moscow demanding that the Church get out of politics in Russia. Even Amnesty International has picked up their cause, and considers them political prisoners – you can sign a petition to seek their freedom here. According to one of their husbands (yes there are marriages and children) these brave women are role models and he was only allowed to see his wife once in five months.
But what does the average Russian think? A recent poll, done (embarassingly) by the government showed 75% of Russians want the church out of politics. Of course, the church in Russia looks different than it does here.
In fact, the state church is thriving, and that may be part of why Russians actually long for a separation of church and state. 75 % of Russians want their church out of politics, in fact; an embarassing result of a state poll.
I admit I would love to see “the church”, any and all of them, in this country OUT of politics too.
But for now, I would love to see Pussy Riot out of prison. How about you?
Link to story, video, more.
Russia and Putin just blew this thing right up, really damaging themselves in the process. If they just fined them and were done with it, this wouldn’t have been a) an international story or b) even a terribly huge story in Russia.
These girls were clearly prepared to face whatever were to come of this — true heroism. They’re going to be able to greatly expand the cause of freedom now, and will be sticking around to be able to do more and continue this story.
Especially since one song has a verse that translates to asking Mary, the mother of Jesus, to save Russia from Putin and is a form of sung prayer. Mind you, some might find the mode of address less than formal and therefore, not respectful. But the words ARE there.