Punk activist ‘poisoned’

A MEMBER of Russian punk protest band Pussy Riot is reportedly gravely ill after a possible poisoning.

Ekho Moskvy radio and online news portal Meduza reported on Wednesday that group member Pyotr Verzilov has been in emergency care since late Tuesday.

They quoted a fellow Pussy Riot member, Veronika Nikulshina, as saying Verzilov’s symptoms included losing his eyesight and ability to speak. Nikulshina said Verzilov was being treated in the toxicology unit of a Moscow hospital, indicating a suspected poisoning.