Russian Prime Minister Calls for Release of Pussy Riot

Thanks to their provocative name and recent arrest, everyone has been following the story of Pussy Riot, the Russian punk band convicted of hooliganism and sentenced to two years in prison.

Since the trial, the Russian government has faced widespread criticism and now Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is calling for their release: “The prolongation of their incarceration in the conditions of jail seems to me to be unproductive,” Medvedev said. “A suspended sentence, taking into account time they have already [served], would be entirely sufficient.”

The three jailed women, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich begin their appeal process Oct. 1.

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