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Three young women who staged an irreverent punk-rock protest against Vladimir Putin on the altar of Russia's main cathedral arrived for their trial on Monday (July 30).
The trial of the activists - from the band 'Pussy Riot' - is seen as a test of the president's tolerance of dissent.
It should show how much power the resurgent Russian Orthodox Church and its head, Patriarch Kirill, wield.
He has called the "punk prayer" blasphemy, casting it as part of a sinister anti-clerical campaign.
