Poisoning fears as Pussy Riot's Pyotr Verzilov is taken to hospital in Russia after losing eyesight and ability to speak

Pyotr Verzilov, a member of Pussy Riot. Credit: AP/Press Association Images

A member of Russian punk protest group Pussy Riot has been taken to hospital in a grave condition for what could be a possible poisoning, reports say.

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

They quoted a fellow Pussy Riot member, Veronika Nikulshina, as saying Mr Verzilov’s symptoms included losing his eyesight and ability to speak.

Protesters dressed as members of Pussy Riot Credit: David Cheskin/PA

Ms Nikulshina said Mr Verzilov was being treated in the toxicology unit of a Moscow hospital, indicating a suspected poisoning.

Mr Verzilov, Ms Nikulshina and two other activists served 15-day jail sentences for disrupting July’s World Cup final.

They ran onto the field wearing police uniforms, briefly interrupting the match between France and Croatia.

Pussy Riot said they were protesting against excessive police powers in Russia.