Video: Pussy Riot found guilty by Moscow court

Moscow - A Moscow court has pronounced three members of punk group Pussy Riot guilty on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

The outcome of the trial of punk group Pussy Riot was eagerly awaited by supporters who gathered in 60 cities worldwide to mark Global Pussy Riot Day. Several hundred protesters also gathered outside Moscow's Khamonivchesky courthouse, where Judge Marina Syrova pronounced the verdict of guilty. Calling their behaviour blasphemous Syrova said “The members of the group Pussy Riot...entered into a criminal conspiracy with the aim of coarsely violating public order and expressed clear lack of respect to society." Sentence is expected to be passed later on Friday. Digital Journal reported prosecutors have asked for a three-year-sentence for Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 23, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, though they could face up to seven years in jail. The BBC reported the three women smiled from inside their courtroom cage as the verdict was read out. UPDATE: RT reports Pussy Riot sentenced to two years in jail