The three women of the radical Russian protest band Pussy Riot will hear the verdict of their trial on Friday, and we urge you to come out and hear their words on Thursday at a Free Pussy Riot public reading in New York. These women would be imprisoned on charges of "hooliganism" for their church-staged protest of Putin and the Russian government. The women, Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, face up to three years in jail, a sentence that would leave some of their young children motherless and strip them of their liberty to speak out. 

On Thursday, Pussy Riot's inspirational court room statements will be read by supporters of the Free Pussy Riot movement, including former cover girls Chloe Sevigny, JD Samson, and Johanna Fateman. Additional translated materials, including prison letters along with court room attendee observations, will also be read. Come to Liberty Hall at the Ace Hotel at 7:30 PM or later, 20 West 29th Street, to be a part of this amazing and creative (free!) demonstration of support. 

The verdict for the Pussy Riot trail will be stated on Friday August 17 @ 3pm Moscow Time (8am EST). On this eve, there will also be more information about further actions and rallies taking place on Friday.

Whatever you do, support Pussy Riot on the streets or from your home. Let the world know that their and your freedom to speak out will not be stepped on, especially not without a fight. Free Pussy Riot! 

Images courtesy of the New York Times and Free Pussy Riot