Madonna, recently freed Pussy Riot speak at Amnesty concert; Flaming Lips, Blondie perform

CP27094158
Madonna, left, introduces Maria "Masha" Alekhina of Pussy Riot to the stage Amnesty International\'s "Bringing Human Rights Home" concert at the Barclays Center on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Instead of singing, Madonna and Pussy Riot spoke with passion about human rights issues at a concert for Amnesty International.

Madonna told the crowd of thousands Wednesday at the Barclays Center that she received death threats for standing up for Pussy Riot, a Russian protest punk band, when two of its members were arrested for hooliganism after staging a protest in a Russian church in 2012. The pop icon called herself a “freedom fighter.”

Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were released from prison in December. They spoke through a translator at the “Bringing Human Rights Home” concert, telling the audience they were grateful to be free but have to continue to fight to save others who are imprisoned.

The more than four-hour event featured performances from the Flaming Lips, Yoko Ono, Blondie, Imagine Dragons, Lauryn Hill and Cake.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles