Pussy Riot ordered to stay in jail until June 24

Pussy Riot Photo Vanya Berezkin, courtesy of Artchronika

Yesterday protesters gathered in support of Pussy Riot (for those of you who need to catch up. Or if you prefer, the lighter version.), whose hearing reached the conclusion that the three accused members will remain in custody until June 24, two full months after the already-extended deadline of April 24 (The original trial date was set for March 5, only one day after the controversial elections.)

While the Russian Orthodox Church has insisted they are not seeking jail time for the accused (who are charged with hooliganism, which somehow in Russia carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in jail), this will effectively mean the three young mothers will spend at the very least three and a half months behind bars before ever reaching their trial. Purportedly, this is for the safety of the band members itself (at the protest yesterday, one of the accused’s husbands was egged by a band of angry Orthodox.)

If Russia was hoping to avoid a scandal, this is not the way to do it. (Which lends credence to the whispers that the church may somehow be involved…)

Artguide has posted photographs from yesterday’s protests, which resulted in the arrest of at least 30 supporters. Read the full report on The Moscow Times.

For the absolute latest updates and Twitter streams, check Free Pussy Riot.