Punk band supporters sprayed with holy water

MOSCOW, April 30 (UPI) -- Members of a Russian Orthodox organization used holy water to disperse dozens of protesters supporting jailed punk band Pussy Riot in downtown Moscow.

Members of the Union of Orthodox Banner Bearers dumped holy water on the protesters Sunday at the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow while chanting "no Sodom," RIA Novosti reported Monday.

The unsanctioned demonstration was in support of members of the all-female punk group Pussy Riot, who were arrested for playing a song against President-elect Vladimir Putin inside the cathedral in late February. The five band members performed the song, which they called a "punk prayer," next to the cathedral's main altar, which is off-limits to the public.

The band members could each face up to seven years in jail if convicted on hooliganism charges.