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 Vladimir Putin presidential campaign, 2012 The 2012 presidential campaign of Vladimir Putin, 2nd and 4th President of Russia, was announced on 24 September 2011, at the United Russia party convention for the legislative election. This campaign was third presidential campaign of Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin was the President of Russia from 2000 to 2008. Since the Russian Constitution limits the President's term to two consecutive terms, Putin could not run for President in 2008. Dmitry Medvedev was elected as the new President. Becoming President he appointed Putin Prime Minister. Medvedev could seek re-election in 2012. At the same time he