Solidarity Action with jailed Pussy Riot members in Russia

Press Release
(For Immediate Release)

Bay Area supporters of Pussy Riot are planning two solidarity protest actions this Friday, April 27th, 2012.

The actions taking place in San Francisco this Friday are intended to show international solidarity with the Russian feminist punk group "Pussy Riot", three of whose female members were arrested in March for allegedly singing a punk-prayer at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow (asking: “Virgin Mary, Send Putin Away”). Their protest song, which has circulated on the internet as a montage of music and visual footage, demonstrates for human rights and against the current oppression and corruption of the political regime headed by Vladimir Putin.

The members of Pussy Riot who have been detained are three young women in their early twenties, Maria Alekhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Ekaterina Samusevich. Although they deny having participated in the events in question, they are charged with “Hooliganism,” which carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment in Russia, and will remain jailed until June.

The detained activists now need the support of the world's community. This case illustrates the gross level of violations against human rights in Russia and requires immediate attention.

The action to be held in San Francisco aims to spread awareness about Pussy Riot's case, and to stand in international solidarity with the feminist activists in
Russia.

The principal event will be held in front of the Russian Consulate. Then we'll move to downtown San Francisco, for the final performance/street action.

We are planning a fun, colorful flashmob-style event, with opportunities to dance, sing and express.