Aren’t You Glad You Live in America? Russian Band “Pussy Riot” Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

Three members of female Russian punk rock band, Pussy Riot, were recently sentenced to two years in prison for hooliganism. Yes, you read that right, they were convicted of hooliganism. For those that are not sure what that means, here is the definition: According to Wikipedia, hooliganism is unlawful or disruptive behavior such as rioting, bullying, and vandalism. They were found guilty of this charge after singing a song that was critical of President Vladimir Putin in a church.

Ok, maybe what they did was disrespectful and slightly sacrilegious, but is it a prison worthy crime? Shouldn’t prisons be filled with criminals who are drug dealers, murderers and rapists? Not people accused of stating their opinion? If this happened in the U.S., prison would not even be on the table. Oh wait, it did happen in the U.S. back in 2003 when country band Dixie Chicks criticized President Bush. Yes, they got death threats, but the worst thing that actually happened to them is that they lost some money in record sales and got bumped from a TV show. Fortunately, in this country we are able to express our opinions without being thrown in jail.

Sadly, this is not how it works in all countries. Here is a look at crime and punishment across the globe according to USA Today:

Singapore - Vandalism is punishable in Singapore by prison terms and three to eight strokes of the cane, delivered on the buttocks with a thick rattan stick that leaves lifelong scars.

Thailand - Thailand has some of the harshest lese majeste laws in the world, mandating a jail term of three to five years for defaming, insulting or threatening the king.

Lebanon - In Lebanon, considered to be one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, insulting religions or sects can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years, a law designed to protect co-existence in a country with 18 religious sects.

For those of you who consider the possibility that the grass is greener on the other side, I am here to tell you that it might not be. At least here in the good ole’ US of A we are able to express ourselves and not worry about a looming prison sentence. How do you feel about “Pussy Riot” being thrown in jail? Comment below.