Pussy Riot members Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevich on trial for "premeditated hooliganism" are continuing to gain high profile support in anticipation of their verdict hearing on Friday in a Moscow court. There, the three defendants in the Feminist punk band will find out if they have been sentenced to seven years in prison.
"Dear President Putin,I have been following the trial involving three members of the band Pussy Riot. As a vegan myself, I was deeply concerned to learn that one of the women, Maria Alekhina, who is a vegan, reportedly collapsed from hunger during a court session. I respectfully request you to ensure that vegan meals are available to Ms. Alekhina -- and all prisoners..."
Finally, there are Pussy Riot rallies and marches in the works around the world planned for this Friday, August 17th, to coincide with the verdict. FreePussyRiot.org has a list of various cities where you can partake. Below, a copied agenda for Friday from the NYC Facebook page Actions in Support of Pussy Riot:
Musical masquerade protest party
WHERE: 9am, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 15 E 97th St, (6 train to 96th Street) and 10am, Russian Consulate 9 East 91st Street
PLEASE: Bring signs, wear bright colors (see Pussy Riot for
inspiration) and bring a noisemaker and/or stringed instrument. Don't
forget to bring your balaclava masque.
Pussy Riot March on Madison
WHAT: from the Upper East Side to Times Square
WHERE: Madison Avenue from 91st to 42nd street
WHEN: 11am-1pm (approx)
PLEASE: Bring signs, wear bright colors (see Pussy Riot for inspiration) and bring a noisemaker and/or stringed instrument.
MIDDAY ACTION: Times Square Rally
WHERE: 46th Street and Broadway
WHEN: 1-2pm