Nadezhda Tolokonnikova: Pussy Riot’s second band member released from jail

Pussy Riot’s Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has been released from Russian prison under an amnesty law, hours after her fellow band member Maria Alyokhina was freed.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina dismissed the amnesty as a publicity stunt before the Sochi Winter Olympics in February.

They both promised to continue their vocal opposition to the government.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina were jailed in August 2012 after performing a protest song in Moscow’s main cathedral.

The act was seen as blasphemous by many Russians, and was condemned by the Orthodox Church.

Their conviction for “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” was criticized by rights groups, anti-Putin activists and foreign governments.

The amnesty passed last week aimed to free some 20,000 prisoners.