Apple Temporarily Suspends Apple ID Password Resets Via Phone

By Henry Meyer - 2012-08-08T08:38:46Z

Camera Press/Ria Novosti via Redux

Members of the Pussy Riot, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, left, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich during the hearings on the merits on their case in Moscow's Hamovniki Court.

Madonna appealed for the freedom of three members of an all-female Russian punk band, on trial for a protest against Vladimir Putin in the countrys main Orthodox Christian cathedral.

I think that these three girls -- Masha, Katya, Nadya --I think that they have done something courageous, the pop star said in footage of her Moscow concert last night posted on the Ekho Moskvy radio stations website. They have paid a price for this act. I pray for their freedom.

The U.S. government has condemned the prosecution of the Pussy Riot band members, who have been declared prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International. Music stars including Peter Gabriel and Sting have rallied to their defense. Pussy Riot performed what they called a punk prayer in February inside Moscows Christ the Savior cathedral, targeting Putin who extended his 12-year rule in presidential elections in March.

Prosecutors yesterday demanded a three-year prison sentence for Maria Alekhina, 24, Ekaterina Samutsevich, 29, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, who are on trial for hooliganism and inciting religious hatred.

The three defendants, who were among five Pussy Riot band members who staged the performance in masks and skimpy dresses, face a maximum of seven years in prison under the Russian criminal code.

Yoko Ono yesterday called for the young womens release on her Twitter Inc. account. Mr. Putin, you are a wise man & dont need to fight with musicians and their friends. Keep space in prison for serious criminals, John Lennons widow said.

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Madonna Urges Freedom for Anti-Putin Punk Band at Moscow Concert