Anti-Putin feminist punks on trial in Moscow

From left, Yekaterina Samutsevich, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, members of feminist punk group Pussy Riot sit behind bars at a court room in Moscow, Russia, on Friday. The trial of feminist punk rockers who chanted a "punk prayer" against President Vladimir Putin from a pulpit inside Russia's largest cathedral started in Moscow on Friday amid controversy over the prank that divided devout believers, Kremlin critics and ordinary Russians. (AP/Misha Japaridze)

The trial of feminist punk rockers who chanted a "punk prayer" against President Vladimir Putin from the pulpit of Russia's largest cathedral is starting in Moscow amid controversy over the prank that divided devout believers, Kremlin critics and ordinary Russians.

Five members of Pussy Riot briefly seized the pulpit of Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral in February and chanted "Mother Mary, drive Putin away." Three were arrested and face up to seven years in jail on hooliganism charges.

Their cause and the Russian Orthodox Church's harsh response have provoked public outcry and deeply polarized Russia.

Their trial begins Friday in Moscow's Khamovniki district court. The court building was surrounded by dozens of riot policemen, along with the band's supporters and critics.