With the verdict in the controversial Pussy Riot trial expected on Friday at 3pm Russian time (12pm GMT), support for the incarcerated women has reached an all-time high.
108,970 people (at the time of writing) have signed a petition calling for the release of the punk protesters.
The petition explains that:
In March 2012 three members of Pussy Riot, Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevitch, were taken into custody by Russian authorities for their participation as part of a protest at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow. Their punk prayer is and was an act of free speech and the charges of “hooliganism” and detainment of the three women are seen by the world as a cruel heavy handed act of oppression, are being carried out to discourage free thought and speech in Russia.
If Russia wishes to be a part of the modern globalized world it must adhere to the standards and principles of a free nation where its people have the right to have a free and open dialogue about all subjects. Discussion, debate, and action are the basic building blocks of a free society. By following through with the prosecution of these women Russian political bullies are currently making a mockery of free speech, free thought, and Russia's own country’s constitution.
As well as hundreds of thousands of supporters all over the world, a number of high profile musicians have spoken out in favour of the three women. Celebrity supporters include Madonna, Patti Smith, Paul McCartney, Sting, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Franz Ferdinand.
The case has become a defining characteristic of newly re-elected President Putin's first few months, and the verdict either way is sure to have enormous implications.
