By J. DeVoy
The Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot are being charged with “hooliganism” for mocking religion and criticizing Vladimir Putin, Russia’s actual, then de facto, then actual again, leader. The band’s alleged crime: entering the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow, climbing on the altar and exhorting the Virgin Mary to “throw Putin out!” (source.) The women face up to seven years in prison for their charges. (source.)
“Our motives were exclusively political,” said defendant Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, age 22. (source.)
Russia is considered one of the four fast-growing BRIC nations that have vastly expanded in political and economic might over the last decade. Without an effective First Amendment or independent courts that will apply it without fear of retaliation, though, what good is economic expansion?
