X

Russian court Web site defaced over Pussy Riot verdict

A group claiming to be associated with Anonymous has taken responsibility for the attack.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot's band members in jail. CBSNews video/Screenshot by CNET's Jonathan Skillings

A Russian court Web site has been defaced following a verdict that saw the members of the all-female punk-rock band Pussy Riot sentenced to two years in jail.

The Khamovnichesky District Court was hacked today by a group claiming to be affiliated with the U.S. branch of Anonymous. The site uploaded a message in Russian saying that it doesn't "forget" or "forgive." The group also posted a Pussy Riot song, called "Putin Is Lighting the Fires of the Revolution," and video of Bulgarian singer Aziz.

The BBC was first to report on the news.

Pussy Riot band members were arrested in March after performing a "punk prayer" in Moscow's main cathedral, requesting the Virgin Mary to save Russia from President Vladimir Putin. A judge last week sentenced all three band members to two years in prison for their act of dissent. Their arrest and trial has lit a firestorm across the world over individual rights in Russia. And many "hacktivist" groups have come out in support of the band.

One such group, Anti Leaks, took down Russian news site RT.com with a DDoS attack last week.

Pussy Riot band members were found guilty of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred."