A man in a Cossack uniform attacks Pussy Riot band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and a photographer during a protest performance in Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, February 19. The band said it was attacked by security officials while trying to perform a new song called "Putin teaches us to love our motherland" at the main port in Sochi.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
A man in a Cossack uniform attacks Pussy Riot band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and a photographer during a protest performance in Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, February 19. The band said it was attacked by security officials while trying to perform a new song called "Putin teaches us to love our motherland" at the main port in Sochi.
Morry Gash/ap
Band member Maria Alyokhina helps up Tolokonnikova on February 19. A day earlier, members of the band as well as journalists and Russian human rights activists were detained for several hours at a police station.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Band member Maria Alyokhina helps up Tolokonnikova on February 19. A day earlier, members of the band as well as journalists and Russian human rights activists were detained for several hours at a police station.
Morry Gash/ap
A member of Pussy Riot lies on the ground February 19. The band <a >has been highly critical</a> of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his policies, and Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova were even imprisoned for a 2012 "punk prayer" performance at a Russian Orthodox cathedral.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
A member of Pussy Riot lies on the ground February 19. The band has been highly critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his policies, and Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova were even imprisoned for a 2012 "punk prayer" performance at a Russian Orthodox cathedral.
Morry Gash/ap
Uniformed Cossacks in traditional fur hats and uniforms have accompanied Russian police as part of the massive security presence around the Olympics.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Uniformed Cossacks in traditional fur hats and uniforms have accompanied Russian police as part of the massive security presence around the Olympics.
Morry Gash/ap
Aisya Krugovikh, a member of the band's entourage, said that during the altercation, some Cossacks yelled that Pussy Riot members should "shut their mouths," adding "you sold yourselves to the Americans." CNN has repeatedly tried to contact Russian city officials by telephone and e-mail for comment on the allegations.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Aisya Krugovikh, a member of the band's entourage, said that during the altercation, some Cossacks yelled that Pussy Riot members should "shut their mouths," adding "you sold yourselves to the Americans." CNN has repeatedly tried to contact Russian city officials by telephone and e-mail for comment on the allegations.
Morry Gash/ap
A photographer is whipped while trying to take pictures of the band.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
A photographer is whipped while trying to take pictures of the band.
Morry Gash/ap
Tolokonnikova is pulled away after the protest performance.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Tolokonnikova is pulled away after the protest performance.
Morry Gash/ap
Pussy Riot members run down the street after they were released without charges from a police station on Tuesday, February 18. Russian police said they were investigating a theft at the hotel where the band was staying.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Pussy Riot members run down the street after they were released without charges from a police station on Tuesday, February 18. Russian police said they were investigating a theft at the hotel where the band was staying.
Morry Gash/ap
Pussy Riot members make their way through a crowd after they were released on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Pussy Riot members make their way through a crowd after they were released on February 18.
Morry Gash/ap
Tolokonnikova, wearing the blue mask, and other band members leave the police station on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Tolokonnikova, wearing the blue mask, and other band members leave the police station on February 18.
EVGENY FELDMAN/AFP/Getty Images
From left, Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina pose for a photo in the police station after their arrest on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
From left, Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina pose for a photo in the police station after their arrest on February 18.
EVGENY FELDMAN/AFP/Getty Images
Pussy Riot performs in front of Olympic mascots as it records a video in Sochi on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Pussy Riot performs in front of Olympic mascots as it records a video in Sochi on February 18.
EVGENY FELDMAN/AFP/Getty Images
Tolokonnikova speaks on her cell phone as she is escorted to a police car on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
Tolokonnikova speaks on her cell phone as she is escorted to a police car on February 18.
EVGENY FELDMAN/AFP/Getty Images
This photo, provided by Alyokhina, was taken from inside a police vehicle after she was detained on February 18.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
This photo, provided by Alyokhina, was taken from inside a police vehicle after she was detained on February 18.
Maria Alekhina/ap
This photo provided by Alyokhina, was taken in the back of a police detention vehicle after her arrest on February 18. She and other band members tweeted the news about their detention from their cell phones, with Tolokonnikova posting photos of what she said was the vehicle that was taking her to a police station.
Pussy Riot in Sochi —
This photo provided by Alyokhina, was taken in the back of a police detention vehicle after her arrest on February 18. She and other band members tweeted the news about their detention from their cell phones, with Tolokonnikova posting photos of what she said was the vehicle that was taking her to a police station.
Maria Alekhina/ap