Royal Court rallies as Pussy Riot found guilty
Actors Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lyndsey Marshal and Lydia Wilson, and playwright EV Crowe headed an event is support of Moscow punk band Pussy Riot as they were today found guilty of hooliganism by the Russian judiciary and sentenced to two years in prison.
Lydia Wilson performing a statement
Crowe, who has previously spoken of how she has been “inspired” by Pussy Riot, introduced the solidarity event in the Royal Court Theatre’s café bar. Three members of the band were controversially arrested after holding an impromptu musical protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral.
Pippa Bennett-Warner performing a statement
Bennett-Warner, Marshal and Wilson read translations of the statements of the three women, Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevich at the event, which began at 11 am today (17 August) in prepartation for the offical verdict, received at midday UK time.
Pussy Riot onscreen at the Royal Court
The presiding judge berated the women for what was described as an “act of hooliganism, a gross violation of public order showing obvious disrespect for society”, prompted by “religious hatred and enmity.”
Pussy Riot have previously recieved support from high-profile musicians including The Red Hot Chili Peppes, Bjork and Madonna.
Photos: Alastair Muir
