Madonna Condemns Pussy Riot Conviction, Urges Other Artists To Speak Out

Madonna condemns Pussy Riot conviction.

Madonna condemns Pussy Riot conviction.
Pop superstar Madonna has again added her voice to the chorus of international outrage over the conviction of Russian punk band Pussy Riot  on charges of hooliganism. Three members of the feminist music group were sentenced to two years in prison Friday for performing an anti-Putin "punk prayer" in a Russian cathedral.

Madonna issued a statement Saturday condemning Pussy Riot's conviction and urging other artists to speak out in support of the band. Her full statement follows below:

"I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions. Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane. I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They've spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free."

Last week at a concert in Moscow, Madonna showed support for Pussy Riot by taking off her shirt as she was singing "Express Yourself" to reveal the band's name written on her back . She has repeatedly voiced support and called for leniency for the band on her MDNA world tour.