At her yesterday show in the Olympian Sports Complex in Moscow the world star Madonna spoke up in support of the arrested girls from the Pussy Riot punk band.

      Besides, she dedicated one of her hits to the prisoners of conscience Nadejda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich.

      “As an artist and a human being I have the right to express my point of view, even if other people don’t agree with me, even if the government doesn’t agree with me. This is democracy…I think that these three girls – Masha, Katya and Nadya – have done something courageous. They have paid for the act and I pray for their freedom. And let’s hope that one day we really will live in the world filled with peace and freedom and tolerance” - Madonna declared, her words greeted with wild cheers.

      Then the pop star stripped down to her underwear and demonstrated the inscription Pussy Riot on her naked back. In this apparel and a black balaklava she sang her famous song Like A Virgin in support of the Pussy Riot girls.

      The trial on the case of Pussy Riot accused of hooliganism is going on; the sentence may be announced today. It is a reminder that the punk band members were arrested after performing a public prayer with the words: "Our Lady, banish Putin!" in Christ the Saviour Cathedral in the very heart of Moscow.