An appeals court in Russia is holding a parole hearing for Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina in her absence.<br/> <br />She has began a hunger strike in protest against the judge's decision to prevent her from attending her hearing in person.<br/> <br />She is one of two Pussy Riot members jailed over a protest against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral.<br/> <br />The judge presiding over the case appeared puzzled on Thursday after a prison guard appeared on screen via video link from the penal colony, announcing Alyokhina's refusal to take part in the proceedings.<br/> <br />The case has sparked renewed global interest.<br/> <br />On Wednesday former Beatles member Paul McCartney wrote a letter to Russian authorities in support of the punk rock activism group.<br/> <br />McCartney published the letter on his website asking Russian authorities to consider releasing two band members still serving two-year terms.<br/> <br />The songwriter remains popular in Russia, and is well-remembered for his performance o
