The leader of the Ukrainian activist group Femen took a chainsaw to a cross in Kiev in protest of Pussy Riot’s trial. Demonstrations showing solidarity for the Punk band have sprung up worldwide on the day of Pussy Riot’s verdict.

Police have launched a criminal investigation into the felling of the crucifix that stood on Independence Hill in front of Kiev’s central square.

The feminist movement who recorded and took photos of the act of vandalism said it was a sign of solidarity for “the victims of a medieval witch hunt.”

“We want to show the authorities that no imbecile has the right to trample on freedom of speech and the rights of women and shut them [Pussy Riot] away in jail,” said a spokeswoman from the movement.