The internet has been rallying in support of Russian punk band Pussy Riot after three of their members were sentenced to two years in prison each for hooliganism.

Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, were today (August 17) found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

They had formed a protest in a church in February in opposition of the Russian Orthodox Church leader's support of President Vladimir Putin.

Judge Syrova said today: "Tolokonnikova, Alyokhina and Samutsevich committed hooliganism - in other words, a grave violation of public order."

The three members were later sentenced for two years each in prison.

Twitter and the online world have been rallying in support of the band, with singer Kate Nash saying:

"Holy f*ckin sh*t. This is f*cked up #Pussyriot."

A host of music stars have previously shown their support for Pussy Riot, including Queen of Pop Madonna.