Ukrainian activist cuts down cross in Pussy Riot protest

A topless women's rights activist chopped down a Christian cross in the centre of the Ukrainian capital Kiev with a power saw on Friday to protest against the prosecution of Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot.

The protest came as a Russian court was due to deliver a verdict on three band members for performing a political "punk prayer" at the altar of Moscow's main cathedral - a case that has been criticised by free-speech advocates around the world. (Reuters)