Pussy Riot trial to be shown online

From left, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich members of feminist punk group Pussy Riot sit behind bars at a court room in Moscow, Russia.

From left, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich members of feminist punk group Pussy Riot sit behind bars at a court room in Moscow, Russia.

Published Jul 23, 2012

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A Russian court on Monday promised to show unprecedented transparency in the trial of anti-Putin punks Pussy Riot by broadcasting it on the Internet, but the decision was seen as “suspicious” by the defence.

Three members of the punk band are on trial on hooliganism charges for a protest against President Vladimir Putin in February in a controversial case that has divided Russia.

They have been held in detention since March and on the first day of the trial on Friday were unexpectedly ordered to stay in jail until January 2013.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Maria Alekhina face up to seven years in jail if convicted after barging into Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to perform a “punk prayer” calling for Putin's overthrow.

The three young women looked upbeat and waved to reporters with their free hand as they were led from the police van into the court house, handcuffed by the other hand to guards and surrounded by heavily armed special forces.

Judge Marina Syrova scheduled the next hearing for July 30, Khamovnichesky court spokeswoman Darya Lyakh said.

In an unusual move, she also declared that the court will broadcast the hearings on its website in order to “give full access” to everyone interested, she said.

One Pussy Riot lawyer, Mark Feygin, said broadcasting court hearings is occasionally done in terrorism cases and called the decision “suspicious”.

“The courtroom is very small, and it is possible the media will not be able to attend,” he said.

The defence last week asked for Putin and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to be called to the witness stand, saying they had key roles in the case.

Police blocked off traffic on the entire street in central Moscow, keeping both supporters and critics of Pussy Riot away from the court. Two protesters picketing for freedom of the performers were detained, Russian agencies reported.

Pussy Riot members have seen support of both Russian and international cultural figures, and the lead singer of US rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers Anthony Kiedis wore a “Pussy Riot” T-shirt when he performed to a packed stadium in the Russian capital over the weekend. - AFP

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