If the collective's name isn't bold enough to catch your attention, maybe their antics will. Back in February Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevich of the collective Pussy Riot were arrested after performing their song 'Holy S**t', which is considered a 'punk prayer', on the altar at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral as a protest against the Orthodox Christian church's alleged support for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Now the ladies face up to seven years in jail, being charged with hooliganism.

A statement released by the convicted musicians states:

We knew what the political situation was but now we're personally feeling the full force of Putin's Kafka-esque machine. The state's policy is based on a minimum of critical thinking and on a maximum of spite, and a desire to get even with those who don't please it.

Amnesty International have called for the release of band members, arguing that they are "prisoners of conscience" and accused the Russian government of punishing them for the "broader political context" of their actions, rather than the actions themselves.

[Via NME]

Watch Pussy Riot perform 'Holy S**t' on the altar at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral

Translated lyrics:
(Chorus)
St. Maria, Virgin, Drive away Putin
Drive away! Drive away Putin!
(end chorus)

Black robe, golden epaulettes
All parishioners are crawling and bowing
The ghost of freedom is in heaven
Gay pride sent to Siberia in chains

The head of the KGB is their chief saint
Leads protesters to prison under escort
In order not to offend the Holy
Women have to give birth and to love

Holy s**t, s**t, Lord's s**t!
Holy s**t, s**t, Lord's s**t!

(Chorus)
St. Maria, Virgin, become a feminist
Become a feminist, Become a feminist
(end chorus)

Church praises the rotten dictators
The cross-bearer procession of black limousines
In school you are going to meet with a teacher-preacher
Go to class - bring him money!

Patriarch Gundyaev believes in Putin
Bitch, you better believed in God
Belt of the Virgin is no substitute for mass-meetings
In protest of our Ever-Virgin Mary!

(Chorus)
St. Maria, Virgin, Drive away Putin
Drive away! Drive away Putin!
(end chorus)

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