Dmitry Medvedev speaks in support of the three jailed members of the Russian punk collective.

Speaking with members of the United Russia Party, Medvedev said “In my view, a suspended sentence would be sufficient, taking into account the time they have already spent in custody.” This could signal that the three members, in jail since March, could be free as soon as their appeal is heard on October 1.

According to the AP, Medvedev’s statement could be a way for President Vladimir Putin to put the case behind him without appearing weak.

Pussy Riot has received waves of international support as its members fight the two-year jail sentence they received for a political protest inside a church.