Madonna introduces Pussy Riot members at Barclays Center concert

Madonna will introduce two members of Pussy Riot at a concert promoting human rights at the Barclays Center

Madonna has decided to introduce two members of Russian protest punk rock act Pussy Riot at a concert promoting human rights at the Barclays Center in New York City.

Madonna said she was “honored” to introduce “my fellow freedom fighters” Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova at the Amnesty event.

“I have admired their courage and have long supported their commitment and the sacrifices they have made,” the singer added.

Madonna will introduce two members of Pussy Riot at a concert promoting human rights at the Barclays Center

Maria (Masha) Alyokhina and Nadezhda (Nadya) Tolokonnikova were released in December after spending 16 months in prison.

They and Yekaterina Samutsevich were arrested in August 2012 for singing a protest song in a Moscow cathedral.

Amnesty International announced last week that “Masha” and “Nadya” would make an appearance at the concert on February 5.

It will form part of their first trip to New York since being granted amnesty by Russian President Vladimir Putin – a gesture the pair dismissed as a publicity stunt.

Lauryn Hill, Bob Geldof, Yoko Ono and Imagine Dragons are also on the bill of the Bringing Human Rights Home event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

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Sonia Pantiss

Sonia is the heart and the artist of the team. She loves art and all that it implies. As Sonia says, good music, a well directed movie, or attending a music or film festival melts people’s heart and make them better. She is great at painting and photography. Working on scrapbooks is her favorite activity.