Moscow court frees 1 of 3 Pussy Riot members

A lawyer representing cathedral staff, Alexei Taratukhin, said the verdict should be upheld because the women's actions "had nothing to do with politics, democracy or freedom."

Tolokonnikova appealed to Russians for understanding.

"I don't consider myself guilty. But again I ask all those who are listening to me for the last time: I don't want people to be angry at me: Yes, I'm going to prison, but I don't want anyone to think that there is any hatred in me."

Defense lawyers asked the court to take into consideration that Tolokonnikova and Alekhin both have a young child.

The Moscow City Court began Wednesday's hearing by dismissing two defense motions, including one to call more witnesses to the performance inside Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Mansur Mirovalev and Lynn Berry contributed to this report.