Pussy Riot member starts hunger strike

2013-05-22 71

Jailed Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina tells a Russian court that she is going on hunger strike.

The 24-year-old is protesting the court's refusal to allow her to appear in person at her parole hearing.

Authorities said the Pussy Riot member could only participate in proceedings via video link from prison.

Alyokhina's statement - which was also sent to the court via fax - forbid her lawyers and representatives from participating in the court hearing.

Three members of the Pussy Riot group were convicted of hooliganism after this "punk prayer" in a Moscow Cathedral in February 2012

The performance was criticised by President Vladimir Putin and described by the Russian Orthodox Church as an attack on the country's main faith.

One of the three members arrested was released on appeal with a suspended sentence, while Alyokhina and a third member were given two-year prison sentences.