This is the Russian punk band Pussy Riot - rocking out in one of Moscow's most famous cathedrals.<br/> <br />On Friday, the performance netted these three band members two years in jail for hooliganism and inciting religious hatred.<br/> <br />Because they railed against Russian president Vladimir Putin, some said the verdict was politically motivated.<br/> <br />But many Russians on Saturday said it was fair.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN RESIDENT ALEXANDER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think it was fair in that it was an insult to all believers. If they were really carrying out a political action, they should have carried it out next to the Duma or in Red Square, but here, it's an insult to all Christians."<br/> <br />Others called the two-year jail term harsh.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN RESIDENT IGOR, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think they should have been given some sort of administrative punishment, a fine, maybe a 15-day detention. But two years is a very cruel verdict."<br/> <br />Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church urged the state to show mercy to Pussy Riot, raising the possibility it could back a pardon or a reduced sentence for band members.
