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.

/ Getty

(CBS/AP) Paul McCartney is the latest star to throw his support behind a Russian punk band whose members face prison for a stunt against President Vladimir Putin.

Pictures: Paul McCartney

In 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.

[Dmitry_Adonyev]

Shame on you Paul! You disgraced the whole world because of these ******! This is not the girl for a long time! They went against God! Stripped almost at the altar of the temple. They desecrated the temple. **** song a word about the Virgin. Offended the religious sentiments of millions of faithful Christians. And you protect prostitutes, who starred in a pornographic video. Horrible man! No longer will listen to your songs and never telling everyone what you're a bad person! Do not listen to people no songs of Paul. It supports the devil!

[ArxFerrum]

Why was my comment removed?

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.

[ArxFerrum]

Is CBS afraid to say the name of this band, 'P*u*s*s*y Riot'? The article dances around it but never speaks that name... oh my lord.

I think old Walter Cronkite is turning red.

P*u*s*s*y Riot. Speak it!

[ArxFerrum]

Is CBS afraid to say the name of this band, '***** Riot'? The article dances around it but never speaks that name... oh my lord.

I think old Walter Cronkite is turning red.

***** Riot. Speak it!

[roncee1]

"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."

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.

[wailinburnin]

roncee1 - did you see the videos of ***** Riot in the church and the music video they made from it? Have you ever spent 5 months in jail with 7 years hanging over your head? Are you saying you hope they get the three years the prosecutor has asked for? Do you have any daughters? With all respect, are you Putin writing under the name roncee1?

[YoosAir]

Wait... did you say "desecrating"? I don't think they "desecrated" anything, and the church did nothing to "reconsecrate" it's place of worship.
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.

[mefeld]

dasen't cbs news mention the name of this band?

[fishtale63]

No courage.

It's just the name of a band, CBS! What's the matter? Are you....umm....wussies?