Peaches has joined the global chorus calling for the release of Russian punk pranksters and free-speech crusaders Pussy Riot, with her new song and video “Free Pussy Riot.” The video features real-life demonstrations with an incredible number of people dressed in Pussy Riot’s signature fluorescent ski masks, holding up signs and generally expressing solidarity with the group. Among those in the crowds, according to Pitchfork, are “The Knife, Lyyke Li, Peter Bjorn & John, the Hives, Margaret Cho, Miike Snow, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner, Le Tigre/MEN’s JD Samson, Kate Nash, Cheap Trick’s Bun E. Carlos, the MC5′s Wayne Kramer, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Light Asylum, and more.”

The verdict for the girl-punk collective is expected Friday, and protests around the world are scheduled for the hours leading up to the court’s decision. Peaches also released a statement along with the new video. And while you can’t blame her for being outraged, one does have to wonder a little at the surprise around this case generally. After all, we’re talking about Putin’s Russia, here, a place that regularly kill journalists and took out Alexander Litvinenko, a former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service who found asylum in the UK, with radiation poisoning, just like the bad guys in some James Bond film.

At any rate, read Peaches’ bold and impassioned statement, and watch the new video below.

As a musician who has spoken out against political figures, I am deeply troubled that the Russian government is punishing its citizens for voicing their opinions through music. Music is an essential tool for voicing opinions about everything from gender to oppression. To outlaw the free expression of these ideas is to embrace tyranny. Letting artists speak is the hallmark of a free society. I’ve criticized world leaders in my music before, and I am dismayed that the artists expressing their opinions in Russia today are being harassed by their government. I am appalled that the Russian government is so blatantly abusing its power and punishing citizens for speaking their minds.

Free Pussy Riot! #freepussyriot from Peaches on Vimeo.