MOSCOW (AP) -- A Moscow court is set to consider extending the detention of three female punk rockers arrested after a surprise protest performance inside the country's main Orthodox cathedral.

Five members of the band Pussy Riot briefly seized the pulpit of Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral in February to chant "Mother Mary, drive Putin away."

Three of them were later arrested and face up to seven years in jail on charges of hooliganism. The Tagansky district court will rule Thursday on whether to keep them in custody pending the probe.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won a third presidential term in March's election despite a wave of massive protests against his rule.
Supporters of the band, including prominent artists, musicians and activists, have organized a protest festival outside the court.