Pussy Riot band members released after being held by police in Sochi

2014-02-18 294

Members of the outspoken Russian punk band Pussy Riot pumped their fists on Tuesday as they left this police station just south of Sochi.

They were arrested hours earlier in the Olympic host city.

Police said it was for a theft at a local hotel.

The band is known for its criticism of President Vladimir Putin, who's staked his reputation on the success of the Sochi Games.

One unidentified band member called their arrest a political move tied with the Olympics.

She criticized the International Olympic Committee for their stance on Putin.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED RELEASED PUSSY RIOT MEMBER, WEARING A MASK, SAYING:

"There are so many violations of human rights, you know, probably it's a sporting event, but why are members of the IOC saying that Putin is a democrat and... so it's clear it's not a sporting event, it's a political event."

Earlier, their lawyer told reporters the women were detained while walking along a street.

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