The United States and the European Union have expressed concerned about both the verdict and the disproportionate sentences handed down by a Moscow court in the case against the members of the punk band Pussy Riot and the negative impact on freedom of expression in Russia.
The U.S. State Department in a statement urged Russian authorities to review this case and ensure that the right to freedom of expression is upheld.
EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton said she is deeply disappointed with the verdict of the Khamovnichesky District Court in Russia.
In a statement, the High Representative said this sentence is disproportionate.
"Together with the reports of the band members' mistreatment during their pre-trial detention and the reported irregularities of the trial, it puts a serious questionmark over Russia's respect for international obligations of fair, transparent, and independent legal process," she added.
"It also runs counter to Russia's international obligations as regards respect for freedom of expression. This case adds to the recent upsurge in politically motivated intimidation and prosecution of opposition activists in Russia, a trend that is of growing concern to the European Union." Ashton reminded that Respect for human rights and the rule of law is an indispensable part of the EU-Russia relationship.
"Sentencing of the three young women, two of whom are mothers of small children, to two years in prison for a peaceful, if controversial, expression of their views, is deeply troubling," she said, adding that she hope that "this sentence will be reviewed and reversed in line with Russia's international commitments."
In its verdict on Friday, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court sentenced Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina Samutsevich to two years in prison for staging a musical protest derogatory to President Vladimir Putin at Moscow's main cathedral early this year.
They were convicted on charge of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and hostility.
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