WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – On the second anniversary of the Russian Government’s crackdown on Bolotnaya Square protests in Moscow, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senator Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, met at the U.S. Capitol with Nadya Tolokonnikova and Maria [Masha] Alyokhina of the Russian protest group Pussy Riot. The women, who have experienced firsthand the harsh and political nature of Russia’s judicial system, are visiting Washington to highlight the need for prompt, full and ongoing implementation of the Magnitsky Act; which was authored by Senator Cardin.
“We are thankful for the courage of members of Pussy Riot who came here to underscore what we agree is critically important: the only way we will get advancements on protecting human rights is to shine a spotlight on those who are violating human rights. At great personal risk, they have spoken out about human rights in Russia. We stand with them today to stand up and make it clear that we will not accept these behaviors.
“The Helsinki Final Act says that it is not only our right, but our responsibility, to question gross violations of human rights in any nation that is part of the Helsinki Process. We are upholding this responsibility today as it related to gross violations of human rights in Russia. We look forward to the Obama Administration’s latest update on the Magnitsky Act, which is due mid-May.
“Russia today does not respect the human rights of all its citizens. Nadia and Masha represent the growing number of victims in Russia today. We are grateful for their courage. They have partners in Congress who support their efforts to bring about the type of reforms the people of Russia deserve.”
Pussy Riot is not a rock band, but rather a feminist punk protest group. They do not give concerts, but stage provocative performances in public locations, one of which led to the arrest of Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina on charges of hooliganism for which they served two years in prison. Upon their release they immediately focused their advocacy work on those—like Sergei Magnitsky—who suffer and die all too often in Russia’s vast penal system.
Congressman Steve Cohen, (D-Tennessee) also attended the reception for the group. He later commented: “Nadya and Maria of Pussy Riot are indeed heroes to their people and to people around the globe. They stood in the face of danger, and they were imprisoned for their beliefs. They have risked their lives and liberty for things we enjoy but often take for granted like free speech. As we reflect upon their courage, our nation should show similar resolve when it comes to defending and protecting human rights and free speech throughout the world. We must stand up against violations wherever they occur and do everything in our power to ensure that all human beings have the same rights we in this country enjoy: the rights to free speech, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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Preceding provided by Sen. Ben Cardin