Russia punk band members get 2 yrs jail

Found guilty of hooliganism,protest rallies held across the world

A Moscow judge sentenced three members of the provocative punk band Pussy Riot to two years in prison each on hooliganism charges on Friday following a trial that has drawn international outrage as an emblem of Russias intolerance of dissent.

The trial sparked a wave of protests around the world in support of the feminist rockers,who have been dubbed prisoners of conscience by international rights group. Hundreds of Pussy Riot supporters chanted Russia without Putin! amid a heavy police presence outside the courtroom,and several opposition leaders were detained.

The three were arrested in March after a guerrilla performance in Moscows main cathedral,high-kicking and dancing while singing a punk prayer pleading the Virgin Mary to save Russia from Vladimir Putin,who was elected to a third new term as Russias president two weeks later.

Judge Marina Syrova said in her verdict that the three band members committed hooliganism driven by religious hatred and offended religious believers. She rejected the womens arguments that they were protesting the Orthodox Churchs support for Putin and didnt want to hurt the feelings of believers. Nadezhda Tolokonnikova,Maria Alekhina,and Yekaterina Samutsevich stood in handcuffs in a glass cage in the courtroom for three hours as the judge read the verdict.

‘Violence in Nepal is heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern as KP Sharma Oli resigns

India1 hr ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed worry about the turmoil in Nepal and stressed the need for peace and stability. The Nepal Army and security officials called for dialogue to restore order amidst growing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The Indian government issued a safety advisory for Indian citizens, advising against travel until the situation improves.

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