Moscow, 12 July. The Russians are divided as to what punishment may be fair for the members of the Pussy Riot punk band, the poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation in July shows.

file photo
Thirty-nine per cent of those polled think several years in prison could be a fair punishment for the girls. Almost the same number of people (37 per cent) have the opposite opinion, while 24 per cent have not decided on their position yet.

The attitude towards an open letter (signed by many prominent culture figures) in support of Pussy Riot is complex as well: the reaction of 35 per cent was positive. According to them, "these are unfair criminal proceedings and the punishment is too severe" (13 per cent). Another 8 per cent think "the girls should be punished in another way". Four per cent say "that was a letter in support of democracy" and another 4 per cent say they are "sorry for the young, there is no need to ruin their lives".

At the same time, the attitude of 32 per cent to the letter is negative. They say it is important to be responsible for one's actions and stand for a more severe punishment (13 per cent). They also say "the girl's act is a desecration of the cathedral, protest should be expressed in other forms" (12 per cent). Another one-third were unable to answer (33 per cent).

(Passage omitted to end: story of the Pussy Riot case)

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Moscow, 12 July. The Russians are divided as to what punishment may be fair for the members of the Pussy Riot punk band, the poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation in July shows.

file photo
Thirty-nine per cent of those polled think several years in prison could be a fair punishment for the girls. Almost the same number of people (37 per cent) have the opposite opinion, while 24 per cent have not decided on their position yet.

The attitude towards an open letter (signed by many prominent culture figures) in support of Pussy Riot is complex as well: the reaction of 35 per cent was positive. According to them, "these are unfair criminal proceedings and the punishment is too severe" (13 per cent). Another 8 per cent think "the girls should be punished in another way". Four per cent say "that was a letter in support of democracy" and another 4 per cent say they are "sorry for the young, there is no need to ruin their lives".

At the same time, the attitude of 32 per cent to the letter is negative. They say it is important to be responsible for one's actions and stand for a more severe punishment (13 per cent). They also say "the girl's act is a desecration of the cathedral, protest should be expressed in other forms" (12 per cent). Another one-third were unable to answer (33 per cent).

(Passage omitted to end: story of the Pussy Riot case)