The Pussy Riot trial has sparked an international outcry.
Three members of the feminist punk band were convicted Friday for “committing hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.”
Many in the West say it shows the lack of freedom of speech under President Vladimir Putin.
But many Russians have mixed feelings about the case.
Natalia Antonova, playwright and deputy editor of the Moscow News, says many Russians were hurt and offended by the band’s illicit performance of a punk prayer in a famous Moscow cathedral.
Not many Russians are regular church-goers, says Antonova, but most Russians retain a symbolic attachment to the church.
Nevertheless Antonova agrees this could be a significant turning point for Russia, and many artists will start to worry about what they can and can’t do in future, without paying a very high price.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!