FEMEN Protestor Chainsaws Cross In Support Of Pussy Riot

Inna Shevchenko, one of the leaders of the often-topless Ukrainian activists, took down the icon today in a Kiev park (safe for work).

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=861oGyUkmEQ.

Earlier today, three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Judge Marina Syrova said the women had “crudely undermined social order.” The Prosecution is seeking a three-year jail sentence (via BBC News).

UPDATE: They’ve been sentenced to two years in prison.

An activist from women’s rights group Femen uses a chainsaw to cut down an Orthodox cross, erected in memory of victims of political repressions under the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin regime, near the Oktyabrsky Palace in central Kiev, August 17, 2012. Activists organized the demonstration to support jailed members of the female punk band Pussy Riot, according to participants.

Image by ANATOLII STEPANOV / Reuters

Image by ANATOLII STEPANOV / Reuters

Image by ANATOLII STEPANOV / Reuters

Image by GENYA SAVILOV / Getty Images

Image by GENYA SAVILOV / Getty Images