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Freed feminist punk group Pussy Riot member Yekaterina Samutsevich Sergey Ponomarev/AP/Press Association Images

Freed Pussy Riot rocker slams 'strange game' by authorities after release

Freed Pussy Riot member, Yekaterina Samutsevich denies there is a split among the trio.

A MEMBER OF the anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot freed unexpectedly from prison said there was no split within the group, accusing the authorities of playing a “strange game” against the women.

A Russian appeals court on Wednesday unexpectedly ordered the release of Yekaterina Samutsevich, but upheld the two-year prison camp sentences against her two bandmates Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.

The trio were contesting their conviction for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred after they performed a song mocking President Vladimir Putin in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Russia’s top church, in February.

Bandmates Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova are still behind bars

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the liberal television channel REN-TV that is set to be aired on Saturday, Samutsevich denied there was a split in the band.

“All of us have the same convictions. We’ve never thought about changing them,” she said, sporting the same clothes she wore at the Wednesday hearing.

“Maybe it was a move by the authorities,” the 30-year-old said in the interview, excerpts of which have been posted online.

“Some strange game of the authorities is beginning.

“To me, it is a campaign of calculated harassment by the authorities,” she added, referring to what she said was state television’s distorted coverage of the controversial affair that polarised the predominantly Orthodox country.

The trio were arrested after they performed a song mocking President Vladimir Putin in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Russia’s top church, in February

The judges said Wednesday Samutsevich had received a suspended sentence as she played a more minor role in the performance dubbed “The Punk Prayer”, having been apprehended by security before it had properly begun.

Samutsevich said she was hoping to continue being part of the band in the future, inviting others to join it.

- © AFP, 2012

Read: Russia frees one Pussy Riot member, keeps two in jail >

Read: Putin hails Pussy Riot jail terms: report >

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    Mute Trevor Beale
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:45 AM

    They’d want to start by sorting out these water charges. Should be top of their agenda.

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    Mute Roscom-Man
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:36 AM

    I hope they are well rested after their break. What an absolute pack of wasters. Joan Burton has been offered a position as a forwards coach on the Irish ladies Rugby team. A very accomplished No.8 in her day

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    Mute Ian McG
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:38 AM

    Kenny can’t even manage a smile properly! What a nonsense photo though with them all trying to look hip

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    Mute KentuckyWindage
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:53 AM

    Who took this awful photo?
    My beloved Joan’s features are all blurred. The twinkle in her eye may be dimmed in this photo, but nothing can change the warmth of her heart.

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    Mute Firas
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 9:16 AM

    LMFAO – Well done sir! Gave me a chuckle.

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    Mute Ian O'Donovan
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:59 AM

    Forgot they were away..

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    Mute Chris Mackey
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 9:22 AM

    What do you mean they were but they are all ways away whats new. What we should be saying is Oh they are back

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    Mute Martin Coyle
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 8:16 AM

    God bless them all they look shattered, maybe we should give them a permanent rest.

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    Mute John Farrant
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 8:40 AM

    Maybe they will do nothing until the next concert comes along then they will be galvanised into action and be willing to change the law overnight to make Ireland a better place. I agree with one of the previous comments. They sould have been rested permanently.

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    Mute Gambon
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:09 AM

    CAN I JUST SAY …… We are back !!

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