The brutal treatment of the three women during their detainment along with the unreasonable verdict given to them by the Russian court, shows the lack of freedom of expression given to Russian citizens. It limits their freedom in a way that they are only allowed to express themselves if they are in agreement with the government. This shows Russia's strenuous control on their citizens and the necessity to have the people unified by using strict rules and conducts that limits anything beyond what is considered "right" by the Russian upper class.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Russian Punk Rockers Convicted for Opposing Russian President
Sergei L. Loiko and Carol J. Williams wrote an article called "Sentencing of punk rockers in Russia reignites opposition" on August 17, 2012 at 6:38 P.M. in the Los Angeles Times, which was about an event that has globally shaken the world about the injustice currently occurring in Russia. On Friday, August 17, 2012, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, all members of an infamous Russian band called "Pussy Riot", received a sentence of two years in prison. Their crime occurred in February, when the three young punk rockers entered a Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, and began a "punk prayer" in the alter, which was a series of songs with their messages aimed to use religion as a way for Russia to remove their own president, Vladimir Putin, from office. The verdict seemed to not only upset avid anti-Putin believers, but also famous musicians such as Paul McCartney, Madonna, Sting, and Bjork who are in disagreement with the treatment of the musicians by the Russian government. On behalf of the United States, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, "The United States is concerned about both the verdict and the disproportionate sentences handed down by a Moscow court in the case against the members of the band Pussy Riot and the negative impact on freedom of expression in Russia. We urge Russian authorities to review this case and ensure that the right to freedom of expression is upheld."
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In many countries people do not have the freedom to say or do whatever they please, and if they go against the wishes of the government they would be punished or go to jail. I feel truly lucky that i live in the United States and have that freedom of speech. I agree with you completely that people should be able to say what they want when they want to, and not government should be allowed to tell them otherwise. This article has shown me that some countries can be too strict and harsh on it's citizens.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Russians are doing the right thing by giving them that sentence. One thing is that the Russians should also be given the freedom of speech, the way we Americans have; but America in my opinion should not get involved. Anything that Russia decides to do or how the government runs the country should be their own issue. Although what the punk rocks did was also a very disrespectful thing, especially to do so in a church.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about these "Pussy Rockers" before and have seen videos of what they actually did in the church. They went in during the service, climbed up on the altar, next to the priest, and started yelling and jumping around. I thought it was extremely disrespectful and a terrible way of trying to get a point across. I think that these girls were messing around and not serious at all because if they were truly concerned about their president, they would find a better and more effective way to protest. Bottom line is- these girls are stupid and I honestly do not care what happens to them. But I really liked the way you wrote your blog. It was a little inspirational at the end and sort of made me feel bad about what I wrote.
ReplyDeleteThe actions of the three girls in "Pussy Riot" were disrespectful, because they could have protested against their president in a public place instead of a church. I agree that the country itself should allow their people to have the freedom of speech because it is just. This blog post makes me realize what a blessing America is, since we can express ourselves without any consequences.I also agree, that the punishment that the girls in the band "Pussy Riot" received was a bit harsh. However, consequences were necessary because of the way they presented their beliefs; especially the fact that they had the protest or opposition in a church.
ReplyDeleteI too believe that what these girls did was disrespectful; they could have expressed themselves in an entirely different way, rather than going to church and doing what they did. Although it does show the country's lack of freedom, there might be a reason for their lack of freedom. Also, this riot could now probably be used as an example for their lack of freedom. This article made me realize that while freedom of speech is given in many countries, it is not granted to some countries of the world, which may seem odd to us, but right to them.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason Russia appears to be a popular topic this week. I think you did a great job on your post and choice of article. I think it is a reminder of one of the many reasons people chose to move to America, they want their religious freedom as well as the chance to stand up for what they believe in. This also oddly fits in with our discussion of the "Declaration of Independence".
ReplyDeleteAlthough what the members of the band did was disrespectful to the church and not thought out very well, the consequences do not fit the crime. The ladies' actions did not call for a two-year sentence in jail and harsh treatment during detainment. This article evokes the injustice occurring in Russia, and the flaws in their justice system. Every human deserves the right to freedom of speech and the right to express their emotions freely; however, i do not agree with what the members of the "Pussy Riot" did, and believe that they should have carried out their protests in a more civilized manner.
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ReplyDeleteThis article makes me wonder if America would have reacted in the same way if it occurred here. Yes, people should have the right to express their opinions in any form they are comfortable with, but this band should have handled this matter with more respect towards their audience. When one lacks sophistication and class while voicing their opinion on any topic, especially a controversial one, people tend to not take their words earnestly.Nevertheless the Russian government should have handled this matter in a more democratic fashion. This article is thought provoking: who is the one that is really here to blame?
ReplyDeleteWhat the band members did was disrespectful and extremely insolent. This way of trying to get a message across is improper. However, the consequences that the ladies' faced were not convenient with their crime. What the "Pussy Riot" members did falls in the category of freedom of speech. The article makes me realize how unjust Moscow's court is. They do not enforce freedom of expression, if it moves against the government, which is wrong. People have the right to speak, regardless if it is against government. Nevertheless, the members deserve a moderate punishment for their rude and mannerless actions because they chose an ill way and a wrong place to deal with their issue.
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