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Earlier this week we reported that Pussy Riot would be sentenced today but we certainly didn’t see this coming. Today the Internet exploded after a Moscow judge sentenced all three of the members of the Russian punk act Pussy Riot to two years in prison for hooliganism, which has prompted a wave of protests in support of the feminist act all over the world.

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The judge explained that the three members specifically “committed hooliganism driven by religious hatred.” They were arrested back in March after an impromptu performance in Moscow’s main cathedral that saw them asking Virgin Mary to protect their home country from their recently reelected president Vladimir Putin.
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Most notably Paul McCartney penned a personal note to the band “writing to show my support at this difficult time.” Similarly Madonna wrote “Free Pussy Riot” and posted a link to artwork of the group while Boy George explained, “It’s a sad day because I actually love Russia! What’s happening to this great nation that it’s afraid of poofs, Madonna and pussy!”
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Additionally actors and actresses such as Elijah Wood and Mischa Barton hashtagged “freepussyriot” on Twitter and protests have spread throughout Europe with many of the participants wearing Putin masks. A topless activist even chopped down a wooden cross in Kiev to show her solidarity with the group and chess genius Garry Kasparov was beat up and arrested by cops at a rally for the band.
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So what do you think of the verdict and do you predict the band will be forced to serve their term or will Russia turn them loose? Let us know in the comments section below as you listen to the group’s new single as well as Pussy Riot Radio.
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