Moscow

Aug 17, 2012

Three members of the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot — Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Marina Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich — were found guilty of hooliganism on Friday after a judge decided that the band’s actions were motivated by religious hatred when they staged an anti-Kremlin protest at the altar of Moscow’s Christ the Saviour Cathedral. The judge sentenced the women to two years in jail.

“Tolokonnikova, Samutsevich and Alyokhina committed an act of hooliganism, a gross violation of public order showing obvious disrespect for society,” said the judge, reported Reuters.

The verdict has sparked protests in cities including Moscow, Oslo, Berlin, London and New York City, where supporters have dawned bright ski masks to show their solidarity with the band.

World War II Victory Day celebrations in Russia and across Europe

After Adolf Hitler’s suicide on April 30, 1945, the occupying German armies began surrendering in Europe and the former Soviet Union. Ultimately, Germany signed an unconditional surrender, signaling the defeat of the Nazi Germany regime. VE Day (Victory in Europe) is commonly celebrated on May 8, while the countries of the former Soviet Union celebrate the day on May 9.

The following compilation includes scenes from, and revolving around, Victory Day across the ocean.

Moscow

Pussy Riot band sentenced to two years, verdict sparks bright ski mask protests

World War II Victory Day celebrations in Russia and across Europe