Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, has signed a Soviet-style law banning swearing in films, television broadcasts, books and public performances.
In a move harking back to the cultural conservatism of Russia's Communist years, books containing "foul language" must carry a warning, and offenders could be fined up to pounds 830. The law "bans the use of obscene language while ensuring the rights of Russian citizens to the use of the state language, and protecting and developing language culture," the Kremlin said.
Films containing banned words may be refused distribution, while actors using prohibited language face performance bans of up to three months, according to CNN.
Critics decried the legislation as the latest oppressive measure concerning freedom of speech.
Oleg Tabakov, the artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre, reportedly described the law as "excessive".
