Madonna

Madonna will introduce two members of the Pussy Riot feminist group at Amnesty International's “Bringing Human Rights Home” concert in New York next month.

Pussy Riot is a feminist punk rock protest group founded in Russia in August 2011. Its members comprise approximately 11 women who promote feminism and LGBT rights, and oppose the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom they regard as a dictator.

The two members that Madonna will introduce at the human rights gig in New York were recently released from prison colonies in Russia after serving most of a two-year sentence. Their names are Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and they will address music fans at the concert at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on 5 February.

Madonna, who has previously made public her disagreement regarding the jailing of Pussy Riot members, said: “I am honoured to introduce my fellow freedom fighters Masha and Nadya from Pussy Riot. I have admired their courage and have long supported their commitment and the sacrifices they have made in the name of freedom of expression and human rights.”