Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in 1997. In his 2002 interview with "Izvestia", Metropolitan Kirill called the allegations about his profiteering a political campaign against him. Alexander Pochinok who was the minister of taxes and levies (1999-2000), said in 2009 that Kirill had no involvement in the violations. Three female members of the feminist group Pussy Riot were arrested in March 2012 for performing a song in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow during which they called on the Virgin Mary to "chase Putin out". The women were arrested for hooliganism and were later sentenced to two years' imprisonment. The song contained swear words
Vladimir Putin presidential campaign, 2012 place, gaining 49%, but lost 77 places. In the 2007 elections, United Russia scored 64%. However, according to experts, the downgrade of the United Russia would not prevent Putin to get a good result and win the election. On 28 December, Vladimir Putin said that he was not going to go on pre-election leave, which is provided for candidates to have the opportunity to campaign. Vladimir Putin conducted his campaign as part of his duties as Prime Minister. In January 2012, Putin published his election program. The program consisted of six chapters: "Foreign policy", "Economy", "Army", "Salaries and pensions", "Social