Foul language in cinema, arts now prohibited in Russia
The document stipulates fines for performing the mentioned events with obscene language in public, while determining which words and expressions are not compatible with Russian literary language from now on is within the competence of "an independent examination". The fines for foul language are about $56-70 for individuals, $112-140 for officials, $1,117-1,396 for legal entities. The law also stipulates higher fines and a three-month suspension of business activities for repeated offence. The law's considerable innovation is the ban on issuing distribution certificates for films with foul language, whereas offenders screening films without a certificate will face fines of $1,396-2,793. A second offence entails a fine of $2,793-5,586 or up to three-month suspension of business. Moreover, the law says a Russian film using bad language cannot be deemed national, Itar-Tass reports. Audio and video goods and books falling under the new legislation are to be marked with a warning sign and sold in a sealed package. Failure to mark goods will lead to a fine similar to that stipulated for foul language in performances, concerts and films. However, the rules do not apply to the products issued before the day the law has taken effect.