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The trial of three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot has begun in Russia, after the three were jailed in Feburary for a political protest against Vladimir Putin.

The three women, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich, were jailed at the beginning of 2012 for an anti-Putin performance in a Moscow cathedral, which angered the Russian Orthodox church - who accused the women of blasphemy. The trio have remained behind bars for nearly six months, and were previously told they would stay in police custody until February 2013.

The three have now gone on trial, with BBC News reporting that the women were locked behind bullet proof glass, as their crime had caused such anger in Russia. The are facing up to seven years in jail on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

The three were said to have been asked questions on their education, Russian citizenship and even the dates of birth of their children.

Red Hot Chili Peppers and Franz Ferdinand are among the artists who have shown support for Pussy Riot, while Russia is said to be divided by the case - with many saying the women are being made example of by Putin's political party.

Below: more music stars who've been jailed