Pussy Riot jailing sparks global wave of protests

Three members of the punk band Pussy Riot have each been sentenced to two years in prison on hooliganism charges following a trial that has drawn international outrage as an emblem of Russia’s intolerance of dissent.

The Moscow trial sparked protests around the world in support of the feminist activists, who have been called prisoners of conscience by international rights group.

Hundreds of their supporters chanted “Russia without Putin!” outside the courtroom, and several opposition leaders were detained.