Voting begins on Pussy Riot entering Eurovision

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Published time: August 22, 2012 10:12
Edited time: August 22, 2012 15:58

With Pussy Riot being hailed across the world as Russia’s most recognized band, some suggest that the jailed members of the punk-rock feminist ensemble should be flying the flag for Russia at the next Eurovision song contest.

­“We have no doubt about the success of the band in Eurovision,” co-founder of Russia’s SEVER Production Konstantin Cherepkov has been quoted as saying.

The producer suggested that those who support his idea vote on the company’s website.

Earlier this month a Moscow court sentenced three members of Pussy Riot to two years in a medium-security prison for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and enmity.

Meanwhile, the next Eurovision song contest will take place in the Swedish city of Malmo on May 18 next year.

“Pussy Riot has become a new music phenomenon. The band has united musicians across the world under the slogan of freedom and change. Their nomination to enter Eurovision is set to affect the destiny of the punk-rock band serving as a good reason for the authorities to favor their release from jail. Bringing their prosecution to an end and their participation in Eurovision could help compensate Russia’s loss of reputation that stemmed from the case against Pussy Riot,” he added.

The young women were taken into custody in February for the controversial performance of the profanity-laden prayer, 'Mother of God, drive Putin away' at Moscow’s main Orthodox cathedral.

According to the Judge, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Ekaterina Samutsevich showed disregard for worshippers and the fundamentals of the Orthodox faith, offending the religious sensibilities of believers.

During the trial, A-list international stars, such as Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, Sting, Bjork, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More, voiced their support for Pussy Riot, urging the authorities to soften the punishment of the band members.

Meanwhile, the Russian Author’s Society, which is involved in protecting intellectual property, has announced it will be collecting royalties from any public performances of the Pussy Riot songs. All the money raised will be transferred to the girls’ bank accounts.