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Northern Ireland music stars unite to free Pussy Riot!

Punks, rockers and folkies from across Northern Ireland are coming together to support imprisoned Russian punk protestors Pussy Riot.

An eclectic bunch of musicians and singers will be taking to the stage in Belfast this Friday (7 September) for an Amnesty International gig in support of the jailed Moscow activists.

Joining the line up at The Black Box on Friday evening are the energetic Katie and the Carnival; friendly punks the Blastproof Sunglasses, Derry rockers Wyldling; radical folkies Uke Belfast; and rising star singer-songwriter, Morgan MacIntyre; plus very special guests whose identity is being kept firmly under wraps.

Morgan MacIntyre, who will be performing at the gig, said:

"As a song writer I understand what it means to have the right to express yourself. It is devastating to see basic human rights skewed like this in the interests of those trying to hold on to power. As a woman, it is an honour to add my voice to all those around the world already speaking out for those who have been silenced."

Nadezhda, Maria and Ekaterina, three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot, were found guilty on August 17th 2012 on charges of 'hooliganism' and sentenced to two years in a penal colony. Amnesty International has designated them as prisoners of conscience, and is calling for their immediate release.

Amnesty International's Patrick Corrigan is delighted that the event has drawn such support from local performers:

"Pussy Riot's 'punk prayer' and anarchist lyrics might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the Russian authorities' enthusiasm to silence the Women's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights is a violation of their right to free speech.

"The gig in the Black Box has a cracking line-up and it's amazing that such a diverse range of music will be on stage in Belfast in support of the Moscow punks. What we can promise people is a wonderful night out, with a bit of campaigning and a lot of dancing!"

The benefit night for Amnesty International will champion the cases of the three imprisoned activists and give people in Belfast a chance to send a message to Moscow that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right.

Tickets are available in advance from The Black Box or on the door - £5. Doors open, 8pm.

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