Paul McCartney Backs Punk Rockers Against Putin
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Dave Hogan/Getty Images(LONDON) — Sir Paul McCartney has added his voice to the growing chorus of music stars supporting a Russian punk rock group that is on trial for staging an anti-Putin protest on the altar of a Moscow cathedral.
In a letter released Thursday, the former Beatles legend called on Russian authorities to release the trio of female rockers from the band Pussy Riot, who’ve been in prison since March.
The three women face charges of “hooliganism” stemming from their unauthorized performance in February on the altar of Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral in which they asked for divine intervention to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin, who was then running for a third presidential term. They could face up to seven years in prison if convicted. A verdict in the trial is expected on Friday.
In the past two months, such artists as Sting, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Franz Ferdinand have also used their Moscow performances as an opportunity to call for the punk band’s release.
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