Russian Deputy PM: Cossack who whipped Pussy Riot was "held accountable"

SOCHI, Russia – Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak says the Cossack who attacked members of punk bank Pussy Riot with a horsewhip earlier this week has been held accountable.

Kozak would not specify whether the man was fined or arrested.

Pussy Riot spent five days in Sochi this week, filming footage for their new video. A group of Cossacks with horsewhips attacked them in central Sochi on Wednesday, minutes after they started to perform their song.

Kozak on Saturday insisted that the women "came here with the purpose of provoking a conflict" and added that the "conflict" they had was "with local residents."

Local media reported Friday that the Cossack in question was fined but did not identify him.