Pussy Riot members flee Russia to escape arrest

Three members of the all-female group were sentenced to two years in prison earlier this month for a punk prayer, a protest staged at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow in February, calling on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Putin.

Rioting for a cause: People protest in support of Pussy Riot outside the Russian court. Pic/AFP

The sentence drew sharp international criticism of the Russian government, while opposition groups at home have portrayed it as part of a Kremlin clampdown on dissent.

Earlier this week, police said they were searching for other members of the band.

A Twitter account call Pussy Riot Group however, said two of their members had left Russia.

"In regard to the pursuit, two of our members have successfully fled the country! They are recruiting foreign feminists to prepare new actions!," a tweet said. u00a0 u00a0 u00a0u00a0