Orthodox Christians step up Madonna protests

Around 100 Russian Orthodox Christians have been protesting in Moscow ahead of Madonna's upcoming concert there. Needless to say, they are objecting to that crucifix routine that features in Madonna's current live show - the one that has been pissing off church groups all over the world. The leader of the Russian protestors, Leonid Simonovich-Nikshich, told reporters that Madonna was "under the influence of the devil", adding: "We are proclaiming a new holy inquisition against those who struggle against God". As the protest continued protesters symbolically drove a stake through a photograph of the singer and then tried to burn it - though police intervened at that point. But the protestors have vowed: "We will do everything possible to prevent this concert going ahead".