MOSCOW, July 25 - RAPSI. British musician Sting has spoken out in support of the three members of Pussy Riot female punk group arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, Amnesty International reports on its website.
On February 21, five masked group members performed a protest song called "Holy Sh*t" at the altar of the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. A video of their performance was posted on the Internet and incited a public uproar. Group members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Mariya Alekhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich were arrested.
They face up to seven years in prison.
The case will be considered on its merits at Moscow Khamovnichesky District Court on July 30.
"Dissent is a legitimate and essential right in any democracy and modern politicians must accept this fact with tolerance. A sense of proportion - and a sense of humor - is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness," said Sting.
Last weekend, Red Hot Chilly Peppers singer Anthony Kidis voiced his support for the arrested women by wearing a "Pussy Riot" T-shirt during their performances in St. Petersburg and Moscow.