Russian prime minister Dimitry Medvedev calls for release of feminist punk band Pussy Riot

The Russian rebel feminist punk group who offended religious leaders by performing an anti-President Vladimir Putin song in a Moscow cathedral could be on the verge of release.

The group were officially charged with "hooliganism driven by religious hatred". Last week, other members of the collective released a video showing them thanking supporters whilst abseiling down a building and setting fire to a large image of President Putin.

The three women were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison last month in a case that caught a great deal of media attention. Protests in support of the group were held all over the world.

"In my view, a suspended sentence would be sufficient, taking into account the time they have already spent in custody," Prime Minister Medvedev told members of United Russia party in a TV broadcast.

Medvedev is often seen to be a liberal minded leader. He described keeping the women inprisoned for any more time as "unproductive," according to the Associated Press.

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