You're reading: Pussy Riot thank Madonna, burn Putin’s portrait

MOSCOW — In a new video, members of punk band Pussy Riot thank pop star Madonna for her support and burn President Vladimir Putin's portrait for what they call his suppression of feminists, sexual minorities and opposition.

Three band members are serving two-year jail sentences received in August for their “punk prayer” at Russia’s grandest cathedral, in which they asked the Virgin Mary to deliver Russia from Putin.
Their trial caused an international furor, and a string of Western
celebrities, including Madonna and Paul McCartney, called on the Kremlin
to free the women.

In a video posted Thursday on MTV’s website,
two unidentified band members wearing their trademark balaclavas and
brightly colored miniskirts climb down an abandoned building. Speaking
in English, they lambast Putin and pledge to continue their “musical fight.” The band announced the video on its Twitter account.