Russia: Verdict in Pussy Riot trial expected next week

Three members of Pussy Riot, on trial in Moscow accused of hooliganism, will find out their fate on the 17th of August.

They are in court after storming the altar of Christ the Saviour Cathedral and belting out a “punk prayer” – calling on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of President Vladimir Putin.

“Any guilty verdict will be unlawful because we think the actions of the defendants do not constitute a crime,” said Nikolai Polozov, a lawyer for Pussy Riot.

Pop singer Madonna is among a string of famous names who have called for the band members to be freed. She expressed support for them during a concert in Moscow on Tuesday night.

A state prosecutor wants the women jailed for three years.

Critics say Putin is trying to silence his dissenters.

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