Russian punk trio Pussy Riot found guilty

Three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been found guilty in a Moscow court of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred”. They will serve two years in jail.

The trio have been the subject of a lengthy trial following the performance of a “punk prayer” in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The song requested that the Virgin Mary drive Russian president Vladimir Putin from power.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, have been named prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International. They have become a cause celebre since their incarceration, with musicians including Madonna and Paul McCartney voicing their support.

Solidarity demonstrations are planned across the country. Supporters are currently gathering outside the Russian Embassy on the corner of Bayswater Road and Ossington Street, London W2. Watch a livestream of the event below.