Amid a wave of worldwide protests in support of feminist Russian punk band Pussy Riot, a Moscow judge has sentenced each of three band members to two years in prison on hooliganism charges.

The judge said in the verdict that the three band members “committed hooliganism driven by religious hatred” and offended religious believers.

The three were arrested in March after a guerrilla performance in Moscow’s main cathedral calling for the Virgin Mary to protect Russia against Vladimir Putin, who was elected to a new term as Russia’s president two weeks later. (via LA Times)