Gazeta.ru ediotorial
27.06.12

A recent written plea from Russian celebrities to the Higher court asking to free Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina and Ekaterina Samutsevich is probably the last chance for the authorities to preserve face and to exit this story that has become a symbol for the obscure, senseless and lawless cruelty. Already more than 120 cultural celebrities have signed a letter asking for the members of Pussy Riot art group to be freed.

"We think that Pussy Riot hasn't committed a crime. The girls didn't kill or rob anyone, they weren't violent, didn't destroy or steal other's property. Russia is a secular state, and no anti-clerical actions, if they are not described in the criminal code are reason for criminal persecution" the letter says.

Until the participants in the punk-prayer are behind bars, the authors are sure "the atmosphere of intolerance will grow in society and that bring people towards a schism and radicalization."

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