MEPs to highlight Pussy Riot case in Strasbourg

MEPs in Strasbourg are to highlight the case of the jailed members of Russia's punk band Pussy Riot.

Last month three members of the band were convicted and jailed for two years for performing anti-Vladimir Putin songs in a Moscow Cathedral in February.

The Irish Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy wants a strong resolution passed by parliament, condemning the jailing of the Pussy Riot members.

He says the EU must do something to try to secure their release: "They were simply involved in singing. It was an act of peaceful protest and they are being convicted for that.

"What has happened around Pussy Riot is extremely important because young people across Europe are now aware of the repressive nature of the Putin-regime, which affects not just Pussy Riot but all of the many protestors who've protested against election rigging."