Standing up for liberty can create some strange bedfellows: Like the State Department and the reportedly orgy-loving, cathedral-desecrating feminist punk band Pussy Riot. By now, Russia's draconian two-year jail sentence thrown at the band for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" has sparked headlines around the world. But who knew the wonks over at the White House and the State Department would be joining Alicia Silverstone, and these protesters in expressing solidarity with the group? 

"The United States is concerned about both the verdict and the disproportionate sentences handed down by a Moscow court in the case against the members of the band Pussy Riot and the negative impact on freedom of expression in Russia," read a statement by spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. Righteously, the department didn't even shy away from slapping "Pussy Riot" in its headline. (Family newspapers have preferred "Russian Punk Band" when writing about the group in headlines.)

Not to be outdone, the White House's deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said the administration is  “disappointed by the Pussy Riot verdict." He continued: "While we understand the group’s behavior was offensive for some, we have concerns about the way these young women were treated by the Russian judicial system.” That's not exactly the diplomatic equivalent of donning a balaclava or cutting down a cross with a chainsaw but it's certainly something.

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John Hudson