As one of the leading voices speaking out in support of Pussy Riot – she gave an impassioned speech (below) during a concert in Russia two weeks ago – Madonna has now released a new statement in light of this group’s members being sentenced to two years in prison. A judge decreed last week that Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich will spend time behind bars for disparaging Vladimir Putin outside a cathedral, an act deemed in court as “hooliganism.” Writes Madonna in response to the decision:
