Cohen: Putin Made Right Decision To Free Imprisoned Musicians and Other Political Prisoners

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reiterated that the imprisoned members of Russian punk music group “Pussy Riot” should never have been incarcerated for an artistic performance and expressed approval of news that Russian President Vladimir Putin would—at long last—grant them their freedom. Congressman Cohen had written to President Vladimir Putin multiple times since the sentencing of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina last year urging a pardon for their so-called crimes of “hooliganism.”

“Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina are not criminals, but artists who received neither fair trials nor humane sentences,” said Congressman Cohen. “Two years in prison for a performance that—at worst—would be described as ‘disorderly conduct’ here in America is outrageous and inappropriate. And while they are among the best known political prisoners in Russia, there are thousands more incarcerated for things such as political speech, ‘hooliganism,’ and other so-called ‘crimes.’ In granting amnesty to thousands of political prisoners, Russia and President Putin made the right decision. It is an important step towards correcting these injustices and furthering the cause of human rights—but it must not be the last. I sincerely hope these actions are not simply window-dressing in advance of the 2014 Olympics, but reflect a shift in Russian policy regarding free expression. I look forward to seeing Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina perform with their band soon in the United States.”

President Putin yesterday announced that he would pardon both Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, several environmental activists, and Mikhail Khodorovsky—who many feel was imprisoned because of political opposition to Putin—as part of a mass amnesty that could affect more than 20,000 prisoners in Russia.