What cause has drawn musicians ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Sting to Madonna to speak out?  

Would you believe they and many other musicians are voicing their support of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot?

The three member, all-female band was arrested in March for “for inciting religious hatred after they performed a song mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin on the altar of an Orthodox cathedral,” reports Rolling Stone.

Now on trial, support for the women in the band, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich, continues to grow.

Rolling Stone reported that Anthony Kiedis and Flea of the Chili Peppers have sent letters of support to Tolokonnikova’s husband, and Kiedis even wore a “Pussy Riot” T-Shirt during one of his recent Moscow performances.

Others, like Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys, appeared at a benefit in support of the group.

While the women have apologized for their actions, the Russian government has not been so forgiving.

For more on the background of the story, read The New York Times story here, and to see what musicians are doing in support, check out the Rolling Stone article here.

Tell us if you think the punishment is too harsh.