Pencil This In: "Free Pussy Riot" Protest Rally

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 16, 2012 4:20PM

A verdict is expected Friday in Pussy Riot trial in Moscow. For those unfamiliar with the story, three members of the Russian feminist art collective&,dash;Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich—were arrested and charged with "hooliganism" after staging a February "punk rock prayer" in a Russian Orthodox church asking the Virgin Mary to "take (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin away." If convicted, the three women face up to seven years in prison.

The Union of Solidarity with Political Prisoners declared the three political prisoners and Amnesty International labeled the women "prisoners of conscience" due to the harsh response by Russian authorities. The struggle by the three women has generated international support, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing a show in Moscow wearing Pussy Riot t-shirts.

Aug. 17 has been designated as "Free Pussy Riot Global Day" with protests and events showing solidarity being held across the globe. In Chicago a Free Pussy Riot rally will be held outside City Hall from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Organizers are asking people who plan on attending to bring a balaclava to show solidarity with the three women.

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