Few countries have as extensive a history of censorship as Russia, though many of the Soviet-era restrictions had been lifted during the 80s and 90s. Clearly Vladimir Putin has a touch of nostalgia, however. Obviously the big news was the introduction of legislation against the positive portrayal of homosexuality brought into law earlier this year, but this doesn't seem to have sated the need to crack down on free expression.
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Stalker, one of the classics of Russian
cinema, will be restricted by the law |
Putin has signed a new law banning swearing in Russian media. That's all books, magazines, newspapers, films, television, theatre, music etc. Those breaching the new law will face a hefty fine. Existing media containing swearing will have to be clearly marked with a warning, though the threat of shutting down traders not adequately warning their audience will presumably convince many that stocking such material isn't worth the risk. Disputes as to what constitutes a swear word will be handled by an expert panel (hopefully made up of Gordon Ramsey, Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino).
The move will also presumably prevent the showing/publication of many foreign works (I can't see Game of Thrones slipping through!). It's also unclear how it'll affect online services such as Facebook and Twitter.
Any one want to place bets on what Russia will ban next?
Original story: BBC News
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