Following the conviction and sentencing of Russian punk band Pussy Riot for hooliganism, rallies in support of the group were launched around the globe. Three members of the band received two-year prison sentences earlier today.
Rallies were held in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Toronto protest organizer Lynn Flatley said the event would happen regardless of the verdict, either as "a celebration or a continued protest.” At noon, about 100 people gathered outside the Russian consulate on Toronto's Bloor Street East to protest the conviction.
Click through the images at the top of the post to see more from the Toronto rally.
Among those gathered were notable Canadian musicians. Damian Abraham of the Polaris Prize-winning band F--ked Up said the conviction struck home for him.
"Being in a band with a swear word for a name, you can take freedom of speech for granted," he said. "This is a sobering thing and you want to come down and show your support.... There was something about this being a bunch of kids doing punk rock, trying to bring change that rung really loud for me."
"We're all Pussy Riot," said Gentleman Reg, who was also at the rally. "Two years is an insane amount of time for this."
Related:
Pussy Riot members sentenced to 2 years for hooliganism
CBC News: Anti-Putin Pussy Riot band members get 2 years in prison
CBC News: Pussy Riot solidarity rally set for Toronto
Canadians plan Pussy Riot protests for Friday verdict