Two Pussy Riot members taken to Russian 'prison hell'

Two members of punk band Pussy Riot have been taken to remote Russian prison colonies notorious for their harsh conditions after a court this month upheld their two-year sentences, their lawyer said on Monday.

“Nadya Tolokonnikova has been sent to Mordovia, and Maria Alyokhina to Perm,” defence lawyer Violetta Volkova told reporters.

The Perm and Mordovia regions, both in central Russia, host a vast network of Soviet-era prison camps infamous for their tough conditions.

“They were convoyed on Saturday,” Volkova said, noting that their relatives had learnt of the move when their parcels for the women were rejected at the Moscow prison where they had been temporarily held.

It remains unclear when the two young women, who both have small children, will reach their final destination, Volkova added.

A Twitter account organised by the band’s supporters also said the two band members were taken in a “special” convoy to the prison camps, but gave no details.