PUSSY RIOT: FREEDOM SAME THING IN RUSSIA

PUSSY RIOT star Yekaterina Samutsevich has spoken out for the first time since she was released from prison in Russia last week, insisting there's not a "big difference" between jail and her freedom.

Samutsevich and her bandmembers Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina were sentenced to two years in prison in August for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred after performing a protest song at a Moscow church in February.

They appealed against the sentences and during a court appearance last Wednesday, Samutsevich's lawyer revealed his client had been restrained by cops before the incident and had not been able to take part in the stunt.

A panel of judges quashed Samutsevich's conviction and ordered her immediate release, and now the singer has addressed the drama. She tells RollingStone.com, "We did not think we were going to be arrested. It's not something that is a crime."

"All three of us don't consider ourselves guilty. We didn't want to end up in jail. Why is it that if you're not in prison, you are not being heard? It's a warped understanding of protest and political art, in general," she said.

She added, "Political artistes must be free. I will try to avoid arrest, but if we have this crazy government that is ready to jail people for any action, then I won't be quiet. We won't be quiet. I will not renounce my beliefs."

Speaking about her release, Samutsevich said, "I don't see a big difference between being in jail and out. There are as many police on the streets as there were in jail—OMON (special police), everything is guarded, there are white cars monitoring phone conversations. The atmosphere of control. And these anti-citizen laws that were passed this summer. Everything is turning."

Asked if she thinks there will be a revolution in Russia, the singer said, "I want for there to be revolt of the thought first of all. I don't want any physical violence. А change in mentality is much more effective."

"If people will be more independent, they will become aware of the tactics that the government is using. And the government will change. And the country will change. I think mentality should be emphasised."