Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot are inching ever closer to a date with a labour camp for the crime of performing a song critical of Russian President Valdimir Putin.
Their protest song "Punk Prayer" (watch below) has landed them in prison since March of this year.
In a surprising statement, Putin himself said: "There is nothing good in what they did, I don't think they should be judged too severely."
According ot Amnesty International, the three young women face sexual and physical abuse at the labour camp if they are sentenced to the three year term Russian prosecutors seeking.
The US State department released a country report in 2011 stating that Russia continues to consistently supress freedom of expression and assembly.
High profile bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Franz Ferdinand have spoken out in support of the persecuted trio.
Sign Amnesty International's petiton to free Pussy Riot.
