World leaders slam Russia over Pussy Riot sentence

PARIS (AFP) - The United States (US) led global condemnation on Friday of the two-year sentences meted out to Russian punk band Pussy Riot, as supporters of the women grabbed balaclavas and took to the streets in protest around the world.

The United States called the sentences "disproportionate", a criticism echoed by Britain, France and the European Union (EU), which all used the same word in condemning the punishment handed down for the band's "punk prayer" against Russian strongman Vladimir Putin.

"The United States is concerned about both the verdict and the disproportionate sentences... and the negative impact on freedom of expression in Russia," said State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland.

"We urge Russian authorities to review this case and ensure that the right to freedom of expression is upheld." Band members Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina Samutsevich were each found guilty of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" for their Feb 21 protest in Moscow's biggest cathedral.