Erstellt am: 17. 8. 2012 - 14:10 Uhr

Pussy Riot and the Rift in Russia

Reality Check: Pussy Riot verdict and fallout, ants that vaccinate themselves

No one imagined, when 3 members of the Russian girl punk band Pussy Riot were arrested for singing a prayer to the Virgin Mary in Moscow's Christ the Saviour cathedral, that it would mark the beginning of a split that would divide the country.

Charles Maynes

"Throw Putin out!" was the appeal by Pussy Riot to the Virgin Mary on February 21st in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral

Pussy Riot had already created a few waves, holding spontaneous concerts in public places. Members had even been arrested, but let go again with no more than a warning. Their performances may not have been to every Muscovite's taste, but they were symbolic of a new, young energy that challenged the status quo. They were a refreshing breeze blowing through the Russian capital.

Then it all went wrong. The decision to mount a "punk prayer" sung on the high alter in one of Moscow's most famous cathedrals stepped over a line that most people didn't even know was there until it was crossed.

It's one thing to punk up your political protest on Red Square, it's quite another to do it in the "House of God". This time 3 members of the band were arrested, and they stayed in detention, where they were charged with "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred". The Russian Orthodox Church was officially outraged that the women showed such irreverence to the institution of the Church. The leader of the Church, Patriarch Kirill, called for "divine retribution", and said the faith was "under attack by persecutors". However, the Patriarch has also called President Putin "a miracle of God".

The women insist their protest was not anti-religious, but rather aimed at highlighting Putin level of political control and the close relationship between the Kremlin and the Church. This has given rise to a bitter debate over the relationship between the two, and where one stops and the other begins.

While some Russians believe Pussy Riot's act of protest was deeply offensive and should be severely punished, far more think it has highlighted an unhealthy association between Church and Politics which should be addressed. Three quarters of people polled this week said the Russian Church should stay out of politics.

As the trial progressed, Pussy Riot attracted support from around the world from celebrities and ordinary people alike. Even President Putin appealed for the women to be treated leniently by the court, while the Prosecutor called for a maximum sentence.

In a way, whatever the sentence, Pussy Riot can consider their actions a victory. They have divided the country, shaken up the system, and put the President on the back foot by the enormous public support they have won both at home and abroad.

Karen Percy reports from Moscow on the expected verdict and what might happen next.

Self vaccinating ants

An Austrian based study group shows how ants apply the principles of vaccinations and protect themselves from dangerous infections.

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