My prediction? Two years max, maybe less. Putin's word is gold and Putin doesn't much like it. Too much attention on what amounts to Putin's Fiefdom. He knows freedom is a slippery concept in Russia, there is no reason to blast it to everyone.
Plus, with all due commiseration with Pussy Riot, whose only mistake was to assume freedom of speech meant, well, the freedom to speak, let's not forget the US has more per capita prison inmates than any other country. And when it came to the US' innocent prisoner, Randy Blythe, all he got was a handshake and a Red Cross package.
Still, supporting Pussy Riot is a noble cause and a rock and roll cause and some caring folks are giving a free reading to be streamed in support of the band on the eve of the verdict. My friend Inge Colsen of Girlie Action, sent me this press release about todays reading:
Tonight, August 16th @ 7:30pm EDT, on the eve of the trial's verdict, Pussy Riot's inspirational court room statements will be read by supporters of the Free Pussy Riot movement, including Chloe Sevigny, Eileen Myles, Karen Finley, Johanna Fateman, Mx Justin Vivian Bond (+ others to be announced) info here.
The event is co-sponsored by Amnesty International & Breslin Bar and Dining Room at
Liberty Hall at Ace Hotel. Produced by JD Samson and FreePussyRiot.org
FREE PUSSY RIOT
In support for the release of the members of the feminist performance Art group Pussy Riot; Maria Alekhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Ekaterina Samucevich.
http://www.freepussyriot.org/
https://twitter.com/freepussyriot
#FreePussyRiot
#LetOurSistersGo
WHAT:
On the eve of the verdict in the Pussy Riot trial, an energetic evening of readings of the inspirational court room statements by the detained women of Pussy Riot. The narrated program will also include selected prison letters and other translated material along with court room attendees written observations.
The event will be streamed live HERE.
Writers:
Katja Samutsevich
Nadia Tolokonnikova
Masha Alyekhina
Confirmed Readers:
Chloe Sevigny
Eileen Myles
Karen Finley
Johanna Fateman
Mx Justin Vivian Bond
WHERE:
Breslin Bar and Dining Room presents Liberty Hall at the Ace Hotel
20 West 29th Street.
New York, NY 10001
WHEN:
Thursday, August 16th
Doors open at 7:30pm EDT
Free and open to the public
***
Additional information about Pussy Riot: