Maria Alyokhina, 25, had already passed through Moscow after being released from her prison colony on her way to meet Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 24 just after her release from detention in Siberia.
The two landed in Moscow after their flight from Siberia, Tolokonnikova announced on Twitter. It was her first time back in Moscow since being sent to a prison camp in Mordovia and then Siberia.
Their release two months early from their two-year prison terms came after an amnesty backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The location of the news conference is symbolically barely a few minutes walk away from the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour where Pussy Riot staged their most notorious action which resulted in their jailing on hooliganism charges.
In February 2012, several members of Pussy Riot jumped around the altar of the church and attempted to sing what they called a "punk prayer" entitled "Virgin Mary, Redeem Us of Putin".
They said they were denouncing political ties between Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church and had not wanted to offend believers.
Samutsevich was released in October after being given a suspended sentence, but a Moscow city court upheld on appeal the two-year prison camp terms for Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina both mothers of young children.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
