“Pussy Riot is just an example of the way dissent and free speech are treated in Russia.”
“Putin is curtailing civil liberties in Russia.”
Civil Liberties?
Does this look like an exercise of civil liberties to you?
(please watch video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALS92big4TY
Shouting mocking vulgarities in a holy place, disrupting people praying? They also broke into the sanctuary with the altar.
Maybe you think people have a right to do this at your church, your families funeral or wedding?
I guess world sentiment would have been different if they done this in a mosque.
On February 21, 2012, five members of the group staged a performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Their actions were stopped by church security officials. By that evening, they had turned the performance into a music video entitled "Punk Prayer - Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!" The women said their protest was directed at the Orthodox Church leader's support for Putin during his election campaign.
There are an estimated 11 members of Pussy Riot. They represent no threat to Putin or Russia. It is not a matter as to whether I approve of their actions or not. They have suffered disproportionate harsh treatment for exercising free speech whether on the street or elsewhere. Two of them served 21 months in prison for their "crimes."
But let's be clear. Putin has meted out harsh treatment to those who criticize him. The Human Rights Report details some of those abuses that go far beyond Pussy Riot.
Far better to point out Putin's shutting down of Novosti TV station.