Supporters of imprisoned rockers Pussy Riot seeking US sanctions on Russian officials

Desmond Butler, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The husband of one of the imprisoned members of the Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot is wants U.S. sanctions against Russian officials involved in prosecuting the musicians.

Petya Verzilov meeting on Thursday with U.S. lawmakers and aides involved in drafting legislation that would target Russian officials linked to human rights abuses. Verzilov is married to band member Nadia Tolokonnikova.

The punk band members were sentenced in August to two years in prison for performing an irreverent song mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin inside Moscow's main cathedral.

Verzilov said he hopes that the legislation could be used to pressure Russia to release his wife and others. He says: "They are greatly afraid of having their bank accounts shut off."