Russia: Court to hear Pussy Riot appeal

Entertainment

Russia: Court to hear Pussy Riot appeal

Close

Russian Orthodox Church said the rockers would deserve mercy if they offer regret for their stunt.

01 October,2012 12:40 pm

A Russian court is set to hear an appeal filed by three jailed members of the rock band Pussy Riot, who have been sentenced to two years for performing a punk prayer against President Vladimir Putin at Moscows main cathedral.A day before Mondays hearing, the Russian Orthodox Church said the rockers would deserve mercy if they offer repentance for their stunt. The move followed a statement by the Russian premier, who said that keeping them in prison any longer would be unproductive.The calls reflected an apparent desire by both the government and the church to put an end to the case, which has caused international outrage. It remained unclear whether the women would offer penitence sought by the church and how much leniency a court may show.