The appeal trial of jailed Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova begins on Friday.

Tolokonnikova, 23, was convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred after staging a provocative performance in Moscow's biggest cathedral, protesting President Putin's close links with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Tolokonnikova is currently serving a two year sentence in a remote Russian penal colony.

One band member has been released on appeal, and a third remains imprisoned.

Activists said her trial, and that of two band mates, was part of a crackdown on dissent.

Her husband told reporters that the defence is fully prepared, and will argue for her right for early release on parole.

Russia has rejected criticism from world leaders who have called the band members' sentences disproportionate.