While this story has been framed as a case of oppression of free speech and artistic expression, in fact it is something else.
Note that this band participated in a 'guerrilla performance' in the Cathedral. This means that they burst in on a religious service, (orthodox mass) and took to the altar to perform their song - deliberately written to offend religious sensibilities.What they did would have resulted in charges even here in Canada! They had NO RIGHT to trespass into a building and distrupt a public event religious or otherwise. That's not 'artistic expression'. It was trespassing and creating a public disturbance.
Should they be sentenced to two years of prison? No. But they certainly deserved to be convicted of something.
Pussy Riot members sentenced to 2 years in prison for 'punk prayer' | CTVNews
Note that this band participated in a 'guerrilla performance' in the Cathedral. This means that they burst in on a religious service, (orthodox mass) and took to the altar to perform their song - deliberately written to offend religious sensibilities.What they did would have resulted in charges even here in Canada! They had NO RIGHT to trespass into a building and distrupt a public event religious or otherwise. That's not 'artistic expression'. It was trespassing and creating a public disturbance.
Should they be sentenced to two years of prison? No. But they certainly deserved to be convicted of something.
Pussy Riot members sentenced to 2 years in prison for 'punk prayer' | CTVNews
But Putin decided that should be their punishment. Putin's support of of the Orthodox Church and its support of his regime tarnishes both. While they would have been charged in Canada, one could also remember what happened in Canada when the a political party and a church became too closely aligned.
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