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Protesters around the globe show solidarity with Pussy Riot

 
Police officers warn protesters gathered outside the Russian consulate in New York that they could be arrested on Friday. 
Police officers warn protesters gathered outside the Russian consulate in New York that they could be arrested on Friday. 
Published Aug. 18, 2012

PARIS — Supporters of the Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot bared their breasts, covered their faces with ski masks and cross-dressed Friday in a series of protests that stretched from New York to Copenhagen to denounce the musicians' conviction.

In a Paris square, supporters followed the trial by phone and shouted in unison with protesters in Moscow. In Kiev, Ukraine, four women, including one who was topless, used a chain saw to cut down a cross. And in cities across Europe and the United States, young people donned the neon-colored balaclavas that have become symbols of the band.

In New York, about 40 protesters gathered, holding up banners that read: "We are all hooligans."

Friday's demonstrations seemed unlikely to gain the momentum needed to exert any real pressure on Russia's government.

Some men at a gathering in the British capital even wore dresses to show solidarity.

"These three girls are just the tip of the iceberg," said Adam Adamson, a 26-year-old who set up the Facebook page for the London protest. "Many have been arrested because they were opposing (Vladimir) Putin."