Pussy Riot Documentary to Premiere on HBO in June

Yekaterina Samutsevich of Pussy Riot.Andrey Smirnov/AFP/Getty Images

The Pussy Riot documentary that was bought by HBO at Sundance will premiere on the channel in early June. Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer was directed and produced by Mike Lerner and Maxim Pozdorovkin and originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18th. The film follows the feminist punk group, who were arrested and prosecuted after their staged prayer protest in a Russian cathedral.

Pussy Riot: Their Trial in Photos

"It's one of the stories of the decade," Lerner told Rolling Stone in January. "It's feminism on trial." Freed Pussy Riot member Yekaterina Samutsevich said she had "no regrets" last month on the anniversary of the protest, though Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina are still imprisoned. Alekhina's plea to defer her sentence to care for her young child was denied in January, and Russia banned footage of the performance that same month.

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Pussy Riot Documentary to Premiere on HBO in June

Yekaterina Samutsevich of Pussy Riot.Andrey Smirnov/AFP/Getty Images

The Pussy Riot documentary that was bought by HBO at Sundance will premiere on the channel in early June. Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer was directed and produced by Mike Lerner and Maxim Pozdorovkin and originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18th. The film follows the feminist punk group, who were arrested and prosecuted after their staged prayer protest in a Russian cathedral.

Pussy Riot: Their Trial in Photos

"It's one of the stories of the decade," Lerner told Rolling Stone in January. "It's feminism on trial." Freed Pussy Riot member Yekaterina Samutsevich said she had "no regrets" last month on the anniversary of the protest, though Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina are still imprisoned. Alekhina's plea to defer her sentence to care for her young child was denied in January, and Russia banned footage of the performance that same month.

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Russian Prime Minister Says Pussy Riot Members Should Be Freed

Yekaterina Samutsevich, Maria Alyokhina, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot during a court hearing in MoscowAndrey Smirnov/AFP/GettyImages

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev showed sympathy for the imprisoned members of Pussy Riot at a regional meeting for the ruling United Russia party today, the Wall Street Journal reports. He maintained that their two-year prison sentence is excessive. "The term is very strong. I would even say a terrible burden," said Medvedev in his televised response. "I don't want to replace the judge... but the time they have already served is, in essence, more than enough to make them think about what happened, whether it was from their own stupidity or for other reasons."

Medvedev also said that he believes a suspended sentence, including the six-plus months the women have already served, would have been enough. "Prolonging their time in prison in connection to this case seems unproductive," he said. Still, Medvedev said he was "sickened" by the group's acts and the "hysteria" they caused.

The three imprisoned members of Pussy Riot have appealed their convictions, while other members of the group have fled Russia to escape arrest. The group recently released a video thanking Madonna, Björk, Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other artists for their public support while they burned a poster of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

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Pussy Riot Members Appeal Convictions

Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot.

A lawyer for members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot has appealed their convictions on charges of "hooliganism" for a protest against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral earlier this year, Reuters reports, even as the musicians say they're more committed than ever to seeking the removal of Putin.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were each sentenced to two years in prison August 17th for their February "punk-prayer" demonstration in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral. Their lawyer, Nikolai Polozov, said he doubts the court will reverse the convictions. "If the court abides by the law it would throw out the verdict," Polozov said. "But being realists, understanding all the efforts the state has put into this case, we think it's unlikely the verdict will be overturned."

Musicians including Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have expressed support for Pussy Riot in a case that has drawn widespread criticism for being a politically motivated show trial intended to suppress dissent against Putin. 

Police in Russia had been seeking additional members of Pussy Riot, two of whom fled the country over the weekend. One of the jailed rockers, Samutsevich, told The Guardian that the trial strengthened their resolve to push for change.

"Our verdict shows just how scared Putin's regime is of anyone who can undermine its legitimacy," she said, in response to written questions the newspaper submitted through the band's lawyer.

Samutsevich said the future of Pussy Riot is uncertain for now, though their commitment to political reform has only grown stronger. "We, along with many citizens of our country, are burning even more with the desire to finally take from Putin his monopoly on power, since his image no longer seems so total and terrible," she said.

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Pussy Riot Members Appeal Convictions

Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot.

A lawyer for members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot has appealed their convictions on charges of "hooliganism" for a protest against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral earlier this year, Reuters reports, even as the musicians say they're more committed than ever to seeking the removal of Putin.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were each sentenced to two years in prison August 17th for their February "punk-prayer" demonstration in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral. Their lawyer, Nikolai Polozov, said he doubts the court will reverse the convictions. "If the court abides by the law it would throw out the verdict," Polozov said. "But being realists, understanding all the efforts the state has put into this case, we think it's unlikely the verdict will be overturned."

Musicians including Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have expressed support for Pussy Riot in a case that has drawn widespread criticism for being a politically motivated show trial intended to suppress dissent against Putin. 

Police in Russia had been seeking additional members of Pussy Riot, two of whom fled the country over the weekend. One of the jailed rockers, Samutsevich, told The Guardian that the trial strengthened their resolve to push for change.

"Our verdict shows just how scared Putin's regime is of anyone who can undermine its legitimacy," she said, in response to written questions the newspaper submitted through the band's lawyer.

Samutsevich said the future of Pussy Riot is uncertain for now, though their commitment to political reform has only grown stronger. "We, along with many citizens of our country, are burning even more with the desire to finally take from Putin his monopoly on power, since his image no longer seems so total and terrible," she said.

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Russian Police Seeking Other Members of Pussy Riot

Yekaterina Samutsevich, Maria Alyokhina, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot during a court hearing in MoscowNatalia Kolesnikova/AFP/GettyImages

Russian police are searching for additional members of feminist punk band Pussy Riot involved in the February "punk prayer" protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin that resulted in prison sentences last week for three women who participated, Reuters reports. Police haven't said who or how many more people they're looking for, or whether they face arrest or charges. Five masked protestors were part of the 40-second demonstration inside Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, though only three were arrested and tried. Pussy Riot is said to have more than 10 members.

Mark Feigin, a lawyer for Pussy Riot, believes authorities have surveillance footage from the February protest and are already aware of the other women's identities. He said the search is a tool intended to put pressure on any members of the group who plan to continue protesting. "If you put some unidentified persons on the wanted list, then you can arrest whoever you want in a balaclava," he said.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were sentenced Friday to two years in prison for "hooliganism" over the protest. The band released a new single, "Putin is Lighting the Fires of Revoluion," just hours after the convictions, and Pussy Riot have gained the support of musicians including Madonna, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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Russian Police Seeking Other Members of Pussy Riot

Yekaterina Samutsevich, Maria Alyokhina, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot during a court hearing in MoscowNatalia Kolesnikova/AFP/GettyImages

Russian police are searching for additional members of feminist punk band Pussy Riot involved in the February "punk prayer" protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin that resulted in prison sentences last week for three women who participated, Reuters reports. Police haven't said who or how many more people they're looking for, or whether they face arrest or charges. Five masked protestors were part of the 40-second demonstration inside Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, though only three were arrested and tried. Pussy Riot is said to have more than 10 members.

Mark Feigin, a lawyer for Pussy Riot, believes authorities have surveillance footage from the February protest and are already aware of the other women's identities. He said the search is a tool intended to put pressure on any members of the group who plan to continue protesting. "If you put some unidentified persons on the wanted list, then you can arrest whoever you want in a balaclava," he said.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were sentenced Friday to two years in prison for "hooliganism" over the protest. The band released a new single, "Putin is Lighting the Fires of Revoluion," just hours after the convictions, and Pussy Riot have gained the support of musicians including Madonna, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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Madonna Condemns Pussy Riot Verdict

Madonna during the Madonna 2012 World Tour in Moscow, Russia on August 6th, 2012.Gennadi Avramenko/Epsilon/Getty

Madonna may be saddled with her own share of Russian troubles right now, facing a $10.5 million lawsuit brought by a group of activists offended by the "moral damage" she caused at her St. Petersburg concert by challenging the city's gay pride ban. Yet the pop star is continuing to lend her support to jailed Russian punk trio Pussy Riot. On Saturday, she released a statement condemning Friday's conviction of the group on charges of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred."

"I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions," Madonna said in a statement on her website. "Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane. I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They've spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free."

Madonna had taken a moment during her August 7th concert in Moscow to urge Russian authorities to free Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich. She also wore a Pussy Riot-style balaclava during the concert and had the band's name written on her back.

The band has drawn a wide array of international support to their cause, including musicians like Patti Smith, Paul McCartney, Sting and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

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Madonna Condemns Pussy Riot Verdict

Madonna during the Madonna 2012 World Tour in Moscow, Russia on August 6th, 2012.Gennadi Avramenko/Epsilon/Getty

Madonna may be saddled with her own share of Russian troubles right now, facing a $10.5 million lawsuit brought by a group of activists offended by the "moral damage" she caused at her St. Petersburg concert by challenging the city's gay pride ban. Yet the pop star is continuing to lend her support to jailed Russian punk trio Pussy Riot. On Saturday, she released a statement condemning Friday's conviction of the group on charges of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred."

"I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions," Madonna said in a statement on her website. "Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane. I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They've spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free."

Madonna had taken a moment during her August 7th concert in Moscow to urge Russian authorities to free Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich. She also wore a Pussy Riot-style balaclava during the concert and had the band's name written on her back.

The band has drawn a wide array of international support to their cause, including musicians like Patti Smith, Paul McCartney, Sting and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

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Update: Pussy Riot Members Found Guilty, Get Two-Year Prison Terms

Three members of Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years in prison today after a Russian court found them guilty of "hooliganism" in connection with a February "punk prayer" protest they staged against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral, Reuters reports. 

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, and Maria Alyokhina, 24, jailed since March, have received expressions of support from musicians including Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers during legal proceedings that have been criticized as a politically motivated show trial intended to chill dissent against Putin. The women said that theirs was a political protest that was never intended to offend the Russian Orthodox Church.

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'This Verdict Is Lawless,' Says Pussy Riot Lawyer

A Moscow judge sentenced feminist punk rockers Pussy Riot today to two years in prison each for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

The jail sentences for Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who were arrested on March 4th, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, arrested on March 15th, start from the day of their arrests.

The court concluded that the band members "expressed hatred and hostility" toward Russian Orthodox believers when, dressed in brightly colored dresses and balaclavas, they performed a "punk prayer" in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral on February 21st asking the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of President Vladimir Putin.

The court supported the prosecution's claim that all three women suffered from "mixed personality disorder," but were sane and able to serve their sentences.

Someone in the courtroom yelled "Shame!" after the judge read the sentences. Defense lawyers said they will appeal the verdict in the Russian courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

"This verdict is lawless," said Tolokonnikova's lawyer, Mark Feygin.

The verdict and sentencing was influenced by Putin, Feygin alleged, and the trial included falsifying facts of the case and statements of defense witnesses.

Over a hundred Pussy Riot supporters gathered outside the court Friday, chanting anti-Putin slogans. Several protesters were arrested, including prominent opposition leaders Sergei Udaltsov and Garry Kasparov.

The eight-day trial of Tolokonnikova, 22, Alyokhina, 24, and Samutsevich, 30, is widely believed to be a politically-motivated show trial carried out as a warning to political dissidents. International musicians, including Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, Paul McCartney and dozens more, have voiced support for Pussy Riot.

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Update: Pussy Riot Members Found Guilty, Get Two-Year Prison Terms

Three members of Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years in prison today after a Russian court found them guilty of "hooliganism" in connection with a February "punk prayer" protest they staged against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral, Reuters reports. 

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, and Maria Alyokhina, 24, jailed since March, have received expressions of support from musicians including Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers during legal proceedings that have been criticized as a politically motivated show trial intended to chill dissent against Putin. The women said that theirs was a political protest that was never intended to offend the Russian Orthodox Church.

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'This Verdict Is Lawless,' Says Pussy Riot Lawyer

A Moscow judge sentenced feminist punk rockers Pussy Riot today to two years in prison each for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

The jail sentences for Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who were arrested on March 4th, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, arrested on March 15th, start from the day of their arrests.

The court concluded that the band members "expressed hatred and hostility" toward Russian Orthodox believers when, dressed in brightly colored dresses and balaclavas, they performed a "punk prayer" in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral on February 21st asking the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of President Vladimir Putin.

The court supported the prosecution's claim that all three women suffered from "mixed personality disorder," but were sane and able to serve their sentences.

Someone in the courtroom yelled "Shame!" after the judge read the sentences. Defense lawyers said they will appeal the verdict in the Russian courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

"This verdict is lawless," said Tolokonnikova's lawyer, Mark Feygin.

The verdict and sentencing was influenced by Putin, Feygin alleged, and the trial included falsifying facts of the case and statements of defense witnesses.

Over a hundred Pussy Riot supporters gathered outside the court Friday, chanting anti-Putin slogans. Several protesters were arrested, including prominent opposition leaders Sergei Udaltsov and Garry Kasparov.

The eight-day trial of Tolokonnikova, 22, Alyokhina, 24, and Samutsevich, 30, is widely believed to be a politically-motivated show trial carried out as a warning to political dissidents. International musicians, including Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, Paul McCartney and dozens more, have voiced support for Pussy Riot.

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Pussy Riot Drop New Single 'Putin Lights Up the Fires'

Though three members of Pussy Riot were convicted earlier today for "hooliganism" in connection with a March "punk prayer" protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin, the rockers have dropped a new single, "Putin Lights Up The Fires," reports The Guardian. The track strikes hard, showcasing the same boldness that led to their conviction.

Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years in prison for their protest inside a Russian Orthodox cathedral in Moscow. The band has received support from Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and maintained their protest was a political display, not a religious one. Their trial and conviction have been criticized as a politically motived show trial to scare off Putin dissenters.

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Pussy Riot Drop New Single 'Putin Lights Up the Fires'

Though three members of Pussy Riot were convicted earlier today for "hooliganism" in connection with a March "punk prayer" protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin, the rockers have dropped a new single, "Putin Lights Up The Fires," reports The Guardian. The track strikes hard, showcasing the same boldness that led to their conviction.

Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years in prison for their protest inside a Russian Orthodox cathedral in Moscow. The band has received support from Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and maintained their protest was a political display, not a religious one. Their trial and conviction have been criticized as a politically motived show trial to scare off Putin dissenters.

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Madonna Calls for Pussy Riot's Release at Moscow Show

Mikhail Metzel/AFP/GettyImages

Madonna paused during a concert last night in Moscow to urge Russian authorities to free three members of the band Pussy Riot, who are on trial for staging a "punk prayer" against Vladimir Putin in a Russian Orthodox cathedral in March, Reuters reports. 

The pop star's expressions of solidarity also included wearing a balaclava similar to the ones worn by Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich during protests; and revealing the band's name written on her back after stripping down to a black bra.

"I know there are many side to every story, and I mean no disrespect to the church or the government, but I think that these three girls – Masha, Katya, Nadya – I think that they have done something courageous," Madonna told the crowd.

"I pray for their freedom," she added. 

As a verdict nears in what some observers have called a politically motivated show trial, Tolokonnikova told the court earlier this week that their performance in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral was a political statement that was never intended to offend religious sensibilities. "We sang 'Black habit, gold shoulder straps' about the fusion of KGB and the church," she said. "Our goal was political protest in artistic form. There was no hate, not a drop."

Madonna joins artists including Patti Smith, Sting and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in calling for the release of Pussy Riot, whose members could face seven years in prison on charges of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred." Putin, Russia's president, has said he hopes the women "are not judged too severely," and a prosecutor this week asked for three-years sentences.

"I know that everyone in this auditorium, if you are here as my fan, feels they have the right to be free," Madonna said during her set.

U.S. and Russian authorities had warned of the threat of violence against performers and spectators at the pop icon's two Moscow performances this week, Billboard reports. The U.S. Consulate General issued a warning that read: "While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas."

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Pussy Riot Trial Nears Verdict in Moscow

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot is escorted to a court hearing in Moscow.ADNREY SMIRNOV/AFP/GettyImages

Jailed feminist punk rockers Pussy Riot told a Russian court both yesterday and today that their "punk prayer" in Moscow's biggest cathedral was a political statement, not an expression of hate against Orthodox Christians.

"We sang 'Black habit, gold shoulder straps' about the fusion of KGB and the church," band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova said yesterday in court. "Our goal was political protest in artistic form. There was no hate, not a drop."

Police jailed Pussy Riot members Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, this past March – charging them with "hooliganism" for staging a performance in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral in which they asked the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of President Vladimir Putin.  The court hearings, which began July 30th, have been widely criticized as a politically motivated show trial, with international artists including Madonna, Patti Smith, Sting and Red Hot Chili Peppers calling for Pussy Riot's release.

The breakneck speed of the controversial proceedings continued to stun participants and observers as the judge moved the trial into its penultimate stage – the debates – on Monday evening. Defense lawyers complained that they were not given enough time to prepare for the debates, with just one night to get their materials ready.

After the debate phase, the defendants will offer final statements before the court issues its verdict.  Prosecutors are seeking a three-year prison term for the band; the court will likely hand out its sentence before the end of this week. (The maximum sentence for hooliganism is seven years, but Putin recently made a public statement suggesting that the band should not be punished too severely.)

Prosecutor Alexander Nikiforov called Pussy Riot's church performance blasphemous, adding that blasphemy is one of the gravest sins in the Russian Orthodox Church. Nikiforov claimed that political lyrics were only added to the song later to mask the band's hate and sacrilege toward the Christian Orthodox faith.

But Pussy Riot's members strongly disputed this allegation. "We sang part of the refrain 'Holy shit,'" Tolokonnikova said in court today. "I am sorry if I offended anyone with this. It is an idiomatic expression, related to the previous verse - about the fusion of Moscow patriarchy and the government. 'Holy shit' is our evaluation of the situation in the country. This opinion is not blasphemy."

Pussy Riot's lawyers also said today that the prosecution's case included falsified victim statements, evidenced by similar wording and identical spelling mistakes in all the statements. Tolokonnikova said that the dress and masks presented as evidence on Friday were not worn by any Pussy Riot member.

On Monday, Judge Marina Syrova denied the defense's motion to interview Igor Ponkin, an expert who reviewed the case and co-authored a report that stated that Pussy Riot's church stunt was blasphemous and motivated by religious hatred.

Ponkin has collaborated on several projects with Mikhail Kuznetsov, a lawyer of a church guard who has accused Pussy Riot of deeply offending his religious feelings. These projects included a joint letter published last fall to Putin and former president Dmitry Medvedev criticizing a federal education bill for being "atheist" and not having a clear clause on integration of theology into Russia's education system. Ponkin and Kuznetsov also co-wrote a book titled On the Right of Critical Evaluation of Homosexuality.

Syrova upheld the prosecution's objection to interviewing Ponkin on the grounds that the documents linking Ponkin and Kuznetsov were not filed properly. The judge has denied or ignored the majority of defense motions since the beginning of the trial; she has also denied eight requests to remove her from the case.

Syrova did, however, grant the defense a motion to interview more experts and witnesses – but at 9 p.m. on Monday, none of the witnesses had arrived at the Khamovniki court building.

"Your witnesses aren't here?" Syrova asked. "Then the court is moving to the stage of debates."

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