Sages vs Indians

[kate]

One tribe of Indians caught three sages. When the Indians understood that the people they have caught are sages, they did the following:
They tied them for three pylons one behind the other so that every sage sees only those in front of him. On every sage's head they put a hat. They told them that from five hats - 3 blue and 2 red hats - they have three hats on their heads. The other two cannot be seen. The Indians suggested that if somebody guesses what the color of his hat is they will release them all. Otherwise - they will be tortured.
Can the sages save themselves? If yes, how?