KARACHI: Pop star Madonna performed in Moscow on Tuesday and she has thrown her support behind jailed Russian punk-rock band Pussy Riot.
The 53-year-old singer has jetted to Moscow as part of her ongoing MDNA tour and is again due to perform at the city's Olimpiski Arena on August 14 night.
She has angered conservative groups by supporting jailed punk star during her first concert in Russia.
Pussy Riot, made up of three young women, Maria Alokhi, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22 and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, is currently facing up to three years in jail after staging a “punk prayer” against Vladmir Putin in a Russian Orthodox cathedral in March.
The singer told a crowd at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night that she was praying for the women's freedom.
She briefly wore a balaclava, in a nod to Pussy Riot's trademark outfits, and had the group's name on her back.
Prosecutors have called for the women, who are accused of inciting religious hatred, to be jailed for three years.
In the wake of Madonna’s support for imprisoned Russian punk band Pussy Riot the U.S. Embassy in Russia has encouraged fans attending Thursday’s show in St. Petersberg to be extra vigilant and alert following credible threats of violence.
In a statement posted on the Embassy’s website, the organization noted, “The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators and performers at the St. Petersburg concert on Aug. 9 … Russian authorities have indicated to the Embassy that they are taking appropriate measures in light of this information. While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas.”
Madonna isn't the first foreign artist to speak up, with Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kate Nash, Sting, Yoko Ono and Peaches also lending their public support to the band.
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