Paul McCartney tells Russian punk band to "stay strong"
Paul McCartney performs at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert in London on June 4, 2012.
/ GettyIn a letter released Thursday, the former Beatle urged three members of Pussy Riot to "stay strong" and called on authorities to allow them freedom of speech.
McCartney noted that "I and many others like me who believe in free speech will do everything in our power to support you and the idea of artistic freedom."
He added, "Many people in the civilixed world are allowed to voice their opinions and as long as they do not hurt anyone in doing so. I believe this is the best way forward for all societies."
The band members have been in jail for more than five months because of an anti-Putin prank in Moscow's main cathedral, and face a maximum seven years in jail. They were arrested on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.
Celebrities including Madonna, Bjork and Peaches have called for them to be freed.
A judge is due to rule on the band's case Friday.
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The name of the band is NOT obscene. In fact, you can equate the name with a kitty cat... unless that is also censored language on CBS.
You guys really blow. No wonder the young hate this network.
I think old Walter Cronkite is turning red.
P*u*s*s*y Riot. Speak it!
I think old Walter Cronkite is turning red.
***** Riot. Speak it!
Correct Paul, but you do not go into a place (revered by others), uninvited and try to put on a show of protest (nothing civilized about that). You are hurting these others by desecrating something they hold sacred. Their opinions could just as well have been voiced outside on the street, in a park, or any other venue where they were invited to do so.
Actually, when you get down to it, Putin is a godless atheist from Soviet times - you had to be to get in the KGB - whose part of the government was actually used to subjugate the church and it's followers. Now look at the Patriarch of the church, wearing $30000 watches, bought off by Putin (or else), and unlike his western counterparts, secretly, although officially, forbidden to speak out against the government.
Oh, by the way, every place they went (invite a punk/protest band WHO?!?!), the same thing happened to them while they did voice their "free speech." The cathedral is NOT owned by the church, but is actually PUBLIC PROPERTY.
Ahhhh... the picture about why this is about PUTIN becomes clear when you put your pants on right.
It's just the name of a band, CBS! What's the matter? Are you....umm....wussies?