Court to hear Pussy Riot appeal

A Russian court will hear an appeal today by three jailed members of the rock band Pussy Riot, who were given two years for performing a “punk prayer” against President Vladimir Putin at Moscow’s main cathedral.

A day before the hearing, the Russian Orthodox Church said the rockers would deserve mercy if they offered repentance for their stunt.

The move followed a statement by the Russian premier, who said that keeping them in prison any longer would be “unproductive”.

The calls reflected an apparent desire by both the government and the church to put an end to the case, which has caused international outrage.

It remained unclear whether the women would offer penitence sought by the church and how much leniency a court may show.