Pussy Riot campaigners in Russia hoping for Madonna's support

London, August 5 (ANI): Campaigners protesting against the arrest of three feminist pop stars charged for performing a 'punk prayer' outside a cathedral, hope that Madonna will publicly express her support for the trio.

Three members of the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot named Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina Samutsevich will be jailed for seven years if found guilty on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

The women were arrested after going to Moscow's Christ the Saviour cathedral in February and performing a "punk prayer" critical of the Orthodox church's support for the president, Vladimir Putin, the Guardian reported.

The plight of the trio has become a cause celebre in the music world, with numerous stars taking a public stance in their support for the group.

Anthony Kiedis, lead singer with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, showed his support by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the name Pussy Riot at a recent concert in St Petersburg.

Another famous band, Sting, has also issued messages of support for the group.

"Surely the Russian authorities will completely drop these spurious charges and allow the women, these artists, to get back to their lives and to their children," Sting said.

Although Madonna has not gone as far as her music industry comrades, the group still view the star as an inspiration because of her willingness to upset the Roman Catholic church with her music.

The campaigners are hopeful that when the Queen of pop takes to the stage in Moscow this week, she will take a stronger stance. (ANI)