Russian court to rule in Pussy Riot trial

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The three Pussy Riot band members are charged with hooliganism


• They were arrested soon after they performed a song critical of Putin


• "Mother Mary please drive Putin away," the band screamed inside Christ Savior Cathedral


• Their action outraged many of Russia's faithful, but the trial has sparked free speech concerns

Moscow (CNN) -- A Russian court is due to give a verdict Friday in the trial of three members of the female punk rock band Pussy Riot, who face up to seven years in prison for performing a song critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Pussy Riot members were charged after screaming "Mother Mary please drive Putin away" during a concert inside Christ Savior Cathedral, one of Moscow's grandest houses of worship, in February.

Their action outraged many of Russia's faithful, but their trial on charges of hooliganism has prompted international concern about freedom of speech in Russia.

Madonna last week performed Pussy Riot-style in a face mask and with the group's name on her back during a packed Moscow gig.

"Everyone has the right to free speech, everywhere in the world. Maria, Katya, Nadia, I pray for you," Madonna said at Tuesday's concert, according to RIA Novosti. "They did something brave with their action. And I am praying for their freedom."

Rallies have been organized in their support outside Russian embassies around the world, including London and Washington.

The three women on trial are Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich. None is older than 30, and two of them have young children.

They have been in custody since their arrest shortly after the February 26 performance.

Putin criticized the women's action earlier this month but said they should not be judged "too harshly," according to state-run news agency RIA Novosti. He added that he hoped the court makes "the right decision."

Pussy Riot specializes in sudden, often illegal public performances, including one in Moscow's Red Square.

The punk prayer was inspired by the women's anger about the relationship between the Russian government and the Orthodox Church, according to the band's manager, who is married to one of the women.

The Orthodox leader Patriarch Kyril has been widely reported as saying Putin's years in power have been a miracle from God.

The charge of hooliganism aimed at "inciting religious hatred" carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment.

Source & Image : CNN World