New Russian Law: Swearing in Music Will Cost You Up to $3,000

First, Crimea.  Second, the sabre-rattling on the eastern borders of Ukraine.  Vladimir Putin’s next move is to ban swearing in music.

And not just in music.  Movies and television are covered, too.

Disguised as an attempt to clean up society on the way to a renewed, proud and conservative Russia, the new law is really a move to stifle dissent and free speech. See, it’s not just about cuss words.  The law reads that “words and phrases not meeting the norms of modern Russian literary language.”  What the hell does that mean?

Well, for one, it would pretty much cover anything Pussy Riot might do.  Metal bands will be doomed.  Forget that.  The arts in general are in trouble in Russia.

But don’t worry.  A group of “experts” will determine what those words and phrases might be.  Well, that’s all right, then, da?

Fines will start at 2,5oo roubles (about $75 CAD) and escalate all the way to 100,000 roubles ($3,000 CAD).  If you’re a repeat offender, you could be banned from doing anything for a year.

Suck it, Vlad.

(Via Daily Mail)