MOSCOW — The Russian human rights council is questioning the guilty verdict and two-year prison sentences against punk provocateurs Pussy Riot.
The
presidential council on human rights said in a statement late Tuesday
that “criminal law was used to deal with actions which entail
administrative liability only” in the case. Members also questioned why
the court did not impose suspended sentences on two of the three women
who have small children.
Three members of the band were found
guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred earlier this month
after performing a “punk prayer” against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral. The verdict caused protests and outrage both in Russia and abroad.
The council is an independent advisory body appointed by the president and its recommendations are not binding.
