Pussy Riot band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has been sent to solitary confinement for 15 days in a punishment that her supporters say is meant to prevent her from winning early release.
Prison officials at Mordovia colony No. 14 sentenced Tolokonnikova to 15 days as punishment for going to the prison's medical center without being accompanied by a guard, her lawyer Oleg Nevlyutov said Saturday.
The punishment was announced by her supporters late Friday, the same day that she became eligible to apply for parole. Prison violations can be used to reject parole appeals.
Tolokonnikova is serving a two-year sentence after being convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred for performing an anti-Kremlin song in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral with other Pussy Riot musicians in February 2012.
(MT)
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.