MOSCOW — Prosecutors on Tuesday called for three-year prison sentences for feminist punk rockers who gave an impromptu performance in Moscow’s main cathedral to call for an end to Vladimir Putin’s rule, in a case that has caused international outrage and split Russian society.

Additional Photos

Members of Pussy Riot, a Russian feminist punk rock band, are escorted by officers to a courtroom in Moscow on Tuesday. They are, in photos from left: Maria Alekhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova. They are charged with hooliganism. The Associated Press

Madonna The Associated Press

Some Russians say the three women – who have already been in jail for five months – deserve to be punished for desecrating the Russian Orthodox Church and offending believers. Others insist that they are being punished for their political beliefs. The women, all in their 20s, said their goal was to express their resentment over the church’s open support for Putin’ rule.

Dressed in homemade ski masks and miniskirts in garish colors, the Pussy Riot band members burst into a nearly empty Christ the Savior Cathedral and spent less than a minute belting out their “punk prayer” before being hustled out by security guards. Their February stunt was part of the protest movement that gathered strength over the winter and has come under increasing pressure since Putin won a third presidential term in March.

Prosecutors portrayed the proposed three-year sentences for the women as lenient, since the hooliganism charges they face carry a maximum sentence of seven years. Prosecutor Alexander Nikiforov said the recommendation takes into account that two of the defendants have young children and that they have good character references.

Putin said last week that the punishment should not be “too severe,” triggering speculation that the Kremlin was hoping to resolve the case without appearing weak or causing further anger on either side.

Closing arguments for the defendants – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 23; Maria Alekhina, 24; and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29 – are scheduled for Wednesday.

Elton continues insulting Madonna religiously

Elton John is taking aim once again at his favorite star target: Madonna.

Promoting a series of concerts in Australia, John sat down to discuss his career, longtime love David Furnish and more, and, naturally, took a few jabs at Madge.

“She’s such a nightmare. Her career’s over,” Elton told the Aussie magazine show “Sunday Night.”

“And she looks like a … fairground stripper. She’s been so horrible to Gaga,” he continued, presumably blasting her provocative “MDNA” tour looks and referencing her tension with Lady Gaga.

Then a final swipe at her artistic decisions: “If Madonna had any common sense she would have made a record like ‘Ray of Light’ and stayed away from the dance stuff and just been a great pop singer and make great pop records, which she does brilliantly.”

By no means is his Material Girl criticism a new thing. In 2004, Elton laughed off a Q Awards nomination Madonna received for best live act, claiming she lip syncs in her performances.

While Madonna never shies from confrontation, she rarely takes the Elton bait. After the 2004 insult, her rep Liz Rosenberg simply said, “Elton John remains on her Christmas card list.”

McGraw, Hill plan Vegas weekends

LAS VEGAS — Country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are heading to Las Vegas.

They will be performing a 10-weekend run of shows at The Venetian starting Dec. 7. The couple announced the news Tuesday at the hotel.

Sitting on a white leather sofa in the 1,800-seat theater where the show will take place, McGraw welcomed everyone to their part-time Vegas home.

“Being in this intimate environment, it will be ‘us,’ ” McGraw said. “I’m very excited.”

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