Madonna Defends Pussy Riot

Russian prosecutors want members of protest band Pussy Riot locked up for three years, but Madonna used the stage at Moscow’s Olympic Stadium to give the ladies props and call for their release. The women, all in their 20s, performed a song begging the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin while performing in the main cathedral in Moscow in February. Sting, Yoko Ono and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have also appealed for mercy.

The accused are in a glass cage in a courtroom surrounded by six prison guards and a Rottweiler. They made passionate political speeches comparing themselves to Soviet-era dissidents and got such applause that the judge scolded, “This is not a theater.” Lead singer Nadezhda Tolokonnikova claimed today the proceeding is “not a trial over Pussy Riot but of the entire Russian political system.” The official charge is hooliganism, but the defense lawyer points out no damage or violence was perpetrated or threatened.

Putin, re-elected in March and cracking down on the biggest anti-government protests in Russia’s recent history ever since, has called for leniency. Maybe even Vladimir Putin fears the power of the Pussy Riot.

This video was shot by a fan. Madonna talks about Pussy Riot at around the 3:20 mark.