As one member of the embattled Russian Punk Rock band “Pussy Riot” goes on a hunger strike to protest her imprisonment, she’s getting help from the world’s most famous musician.

According to his website, Paul McCartney has written letters to Russian authorities in support of two members of Russian punk group Pussy Riot, who were jailed last August on official charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

McCartney wants Russian officials to consider immediate parole for Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.  They’re each serving two-year sentences for performing a “punk-prayer” against President Vladimir Putin in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in central Moscow in February 2012.

In his letter regarding Maria, Sir Paul wrote:

“My personal belief is that further incarceration for Maria will be harmful for her and the situation as a whole, which, of course, is being watched by people all over the world.

“In the great tradition of fair-mindedness which the Russian people (many of whom are my friends) are famous for, I believe that you granting this request would send a very positive message to all the people who have followed this case.”

And in his letter regarding Nadezhda:

“I have had a long relationship with the Russian people, and, with this in mind, I am making the following request in a spirit of friendship for my many Russian acquaintances who, like me, believe in treating people - all people, with compassion and kindness.”

Maria Alyokhina has announced a hunger strike after being refused the right to attend her own parole hearing.  She’s also asking her lawyers to withdraw from the hearing until she was allowed to attend it in person, and she will not take part in any further court proceedings via video links.