The Moscow judge presiding over the trial of three feminist punk rockers says she will issue a verdict in the controversial case next week.

Prosecutors have called for three-year prison sentences for the three women, who gave an impromptu performance in Moscow's main cathedral to call for an end to Vladimir Putin's rule.

In wrapping up the trial on Wednesday, Judge Marina Syrova said she would issue her verdict on Aug. 17.

The case has caused international outrage and split society.

Some Russians say the three women - who have already been in jail for five months - deserve to be punished for desecrating the Russian Orthodox Church and offending believers. Others insist that they are being harshly punished for their political beliefs.