White House protests Pussy Riot's two-year prison sentence

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(thehill.com) The White House on Friday protested the conviction and “disproportionate” two-year sentence handed down against three members of the punk band Pussy Riot, whose trial in Moscow for “hooliganism” has sparked an international outcry.
Josh Earnest, a spokesman for President Obama, said the United States was “disappointed” by the guilty verdict against musicians Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich.
“The United States is disappointed by the verdict, including the disproportionate sentences that were granted,” Earnest told reporters.
“While we understand the group’s behavior was offensive to some, we have serious concerns about the way these young women — about the way that these young women have been treated by the Russian judicial system.”
Victoria Nuland, a department spokeswoman, said in a statement the United States fears the chilling impact the case could have on individual freedoms.
“The United States is concerned about both the verdict and the disproportionate sentences handed down by a Moscow court in the case against the members of the band Pussy Riot and the negative impact on freedom of expression in Russia,” Nuland said. “We urge Russian authorities to review this case and ensure that the right to freedom of expression is upheld.”
The sharp response came after a Russian court founded the band members guilty of “hooliganism driven by religious hatred” for an unscheduled performance held at a Moscow cathedral in March. The Pussy Riot musicians were protesting Vladimir Putin during his bid to regain the Russian presidency. The band called on the Virgin Mary to save them from Putin, according to reports.
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what is politically motivated here? these ladies desecrated a house of worship. Why the bias? The Democratic party really doesn't play even handed in international politics. They wouldn't say anything if this happened in a Muslim country. I'm disgusted... like usual

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