Russia cracks down on swearing in public performances

Parliament's lower house passes law implementing ban and fines for foul language in theatres, music gigs and cinemas

Russia's rich tradition of vulgar slang has long been a matter of pride for its authors and poets; Fyodor Dostoevsky once claimed a Russian could express his entire range of feelings with the swearword for the male sexual organ.

But a new ban on explicit language in public performances means that some of the country's best known directors, musicians and actors could face fines, and classic works of literature and cinema could be sold in special packaging with a warning sticker.

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