Trial of anti-Putin punk band to be broadcast online

A Russian court promised to show unprecedented transparency in the trial of punk band Pussy Riot by broadcasting it online, but the decision was seen as “suspicious” by the defence.

Three members of the band are on trial on hooliganism charges for a protest against Russian president Vladimir Putin in February, in a case that has divided Russia and been branded by critics as an “inquisition”.

They have been held since March and on the first day of the trial on Friday were unexpectedly ordered to stay in jail until Jan 2013.