The Pussy Riot case proved that the private ideas of three people accused of hooliganism can spur society into an entire political movement. The girls have already been supported by many world famous artists, musicians and other public figures.
Paul McCartney wrote a letter of support for Pussy Riot. In it, he addresses himself personally to the members of the group, he asks the girls not to lose hope and stay strong. The musician hopes that Pussy Riot will be supported by other people who believe in the triumph of freedom of speech and creativity. Paul McCartney in his letter states that the girls have fallen on hard times, but they need to stay together.
A member of the group The Beatles appeals to the Russian authorities with a request to give freedom of speech to all citizens of the country and show mercy to the girls for their thoughtless act of protest. Paul McCartney is sure that in a real civilized state, its inhabitants have the right to express their opinion and not be punished for it.
In his statement, the musician assures that a peaceful form of protest has the right to exist. And the Pussy Riot action, according to the celebrity, did no harm to anyone. Moreover, Paul McCartney is confident that harmless rallies will only benefit Russian society.
Paul McCartney also wishes creative success and good luck to those arrested: Ekaterina Samutsevich, Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova. The full version of the letter was posted by producer Alexander Cheparukhin on his Facebook page.
However, the girls were supported not only by Paul McCartney. Prior to that, bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More and Franz Ferdinand, who came to Russia on tour, had put in their word of approval. The American singer Madonna, who visited St. Petersburg and Moscow as part of her MDNA world tour, and the British singer Sting did not stand aside.
Members of the Pussy Riot group were sentenced to two years for disorderly conduct. In February 2012, they performed the song "Mother of God, Drive Putin Out" in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. A video clip of the performance was posted on the Internet. In March, the girls were arrested and taken to a Moscow pre-trial detention center. On August 17, the Khamovnichesky court passed a verdict, the state prosecutor insistently demanded that the members of Pussy Riot be imprisoned for three years.
