Orthodox activists and Pussy Riot punk band supporters are gathering near the Moscow City Court, which will hear the cassation appeal of the convicted musicians on Wednesday.

Some of the Orthodox activists had brought icons to the court by 1100, an Interfax correspondent reports from the site. They are giving numerous interviews to express their negative attitude to the punk musicians' performance, which, they said, insulted the Russian Orthodox Church.

Pussy Riot supporters are also there to demand the musicians' release. Both groups stay calm in contrast with last week's confrontation - the singing of Pussy Riot songs vs. religious processions and prayers.