Power punk? Offer to join Pussy Riot band
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, on Wednesday night offered to join the Russian punk group Pussy Riot in an act of solidarity.
Power made the statement on Twitter in reaction to comments by Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Vitaly Churkin, as two members of the group spoke at the “Bringing Human Rights Home” concert in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ambassador Churkin, I’d be honored to go on tour with #PussyRiot — a group of girls who speak up & stand for human rights. Will you join us?
— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) February 6, 2014
I can’t sing, but if #PussyRiot will have me, Amb Churkin, I say our 1st concert is for Russia’s pol. prisoners. #LiveFromMatrosskayaTishina
— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) February 6, 2014
Two members of band were released from prison in December after a Russian court found the band members guilty of “hooliganism driven by religious hatred” for an unscheduled performance held at a Moscow cathedral in 2012. The Pussy Riot musicians were protesting Vladimir Putin during his bid to regain the Russian presidency.
Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova made their first appearance in the U.S. on Wednesday night since their release and were introduced on the stage by Madonna. The two, however, did not perform.
Power had met with them earlier Wednesday. In reaction, the Russia’s ambassador asked, “She has not joined the band?” according to the Associated Press.
He then said he would expect Power to invite the group to perform at other religious sites around the world — including the National Cathedral in D.C., St. Peter’s Basilica, Mecca, and the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
I asked #PussyRiot if they were afraid of prison. Response: No. In prison we could see the terrible conditions. It’s human rights fieldwork.
— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) February 5, 2014
Met some brave “troublemakers” today — #PussyRiot‘s @mashaalekhina & @tolokno came by to discuss their time in jail. pic.twitter.com/WMFFkAbbIW
— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) February 5, 2014
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