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Yekaterina Samutsevich of the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot has been freed from jail today following a decision by a Moscow court (Oct 10).
Samutsevich's two-year sentence for hooliganism was suspended upon appeal, with the judge releasing her on the basis that guards had dragged her out of the cathedral in which the protest took place before it started.
However, the same judge upheld the two-year jail sentences handed to Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Maria Alyokhina for their part in the protest inside a Moscow cathedral.
All three members of Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison each. The prosecution was seeking a three year sentence but mitigating circumstances such as the band having families, no previous, were taken into consideration.
The Pussy Riot trial has picked up major traction after a number of high profile musicians called for Pussy Riot to be released from the jail they have awaited trial in since February. The trial has raised issues about human rights in Russia, especially after it was claimed the band members were denied food and water whilst in prison.
Paul McCartney, Madonna, Jarvis Cocker, Bjork and many more have all become involved in the case.
