Why is Pussy Riot in jail?

The all-female Russian punk band Pussy Riot has landed themselves in jail. But it wasn't for what rock stars are typically jailed for. They didn't trash a hotel room or accost police or beat a fan or kill someone. Instead, they put on an impromptu performance at Moscow's Christ the Savior church -- performing what they called a "punk prayer".

From the description of the YouTube video below:
"Pussy Riot's gig at Christ the Saviour took place on 21 February. Five members broke into the Moscow cathedral, performing a "punk prayer" from the altar. Their song "Holy Shit" is a condemnation of the Russian Orthodox church's close ties to Putin. "Holy Mother, Blessed Virgin," they sang, "chase Putin out!" Three of them have been arrested for hooliganism and they could face up to seven years in jail."



I can see why Pussy Riot is so polarizing. Russia is a country which is very much rooted in their past which is very religious and politically backwards compared to the United States and many European countries. Punk music, at its heart, is supposed to be polarizing. It is supposed to question what is considered normal. Punk music like that of Pussy Riot is supposed to be loud and seem strange to the majority. It should ruffle feathers. It should not end in jail for the musicians performing it. Again, Pussy Riot didn't damage property or injure anyone. Yes, they did probably trespass but they also communicated their message that Putin must be chased out. For a democracy to be effective (like our own somewhat effective system of government) there must be changes in leadership and the simple fact that Putin is in his third term as president of RUssia tells me that the members of Pussy Riot have a valid message and that their arrest and subsequent jail time will be an embarrassment for Putin and the law enforcement members who pulled the band from the altar of Christ the Savior church.