(PHOTO: Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot) at the Moscow Tagansky District Court - Denis Bochkarev.)

(September 25, 2013) Imprisoned Pussy Riot Member Goes on Hunger Strike, Releases Statement

The following is an open letter written by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of the Russian punk rock band "Pussy Riot":

Beginning Monday, 23 September, I am going on hunger strike. This is an extreme method, but I am convinced that it is my only way out of my current situation.

The penal colony administration refuses to hear me. But I, in turn, refuse to back down from my demands. I will not remain silent, resigned to watch as my fellow prisoners collapse under the strain of slavery-like conditions. I demand that the colony administration respect human rights; I demand that the Mordovia camp function in accordance with the law. I demand that we be treated like human beings, not slaves.

It has been a year since I arrived at Penal Colony No 14 in the Mordovian village of Parts.