An appeals court in Russia is holding a parole hearing for Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina in her absence.

She has began a hunger strike in protest against the judge's decision to prevent her from attending her hearing in person.

She is one of two Pussy Riot members jailed over a protest against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral.

The judge presiding over the case appeared puzzled on Thursday after a prison guard appeared on screen via video link from the penal colony, announcing Alyokhina's refusal to take part in the proceedings.

The case has sparked renewed global interest.

On Wednesday former Beatles member Paul McCartney wrote a letter to Russian authorities in support of the punk rock activism group.

McCartney published the letter on his website asking Russian authorities to consider releasing two band members still serving two-year terms.

The songwriter remains popular in Russia, and is well-remembered for his performance o