Two alleged members of the feminist protest group "Pussy Riot", Maria Alekhina (an environmental activist ) and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (a civil activist), charged with "hooliganism", have been illegally remanded in jail, facing up to 7 years criminal punishment for allegedly participating in acts of civil protest, publicly demonstrating for women’s rights. The case illustrates the gross level of violations against women's human rights in Russia and requires immediate attention. The detained activists now need the support of the world's community.
"Pussy Riot" is an anonymous Russian Feminist Punk Band formed in October 2011. Through a series of peaceful performances in highly visible places, the band has given voice to basic rights under threat in Russia today, while expressing the values and principles of gender equality, democracy and freedom of expression contained in the Russian constitution and other international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the CEDAW Convention.