Russia says 'nyet!' to foul language

Jian speaks with Guardian reporter Alec Luhn about Russia's recent ban on swearing in live performances, theatre, and films, and how these restrictions limit artistic expression."Any film that's going to be shown publicly will now have to undergo a check for swear words, and if it has found any swear words, it can lose the license that allows it to be shown in the theatres," Luhn said. 

One small part of the law notes that any audio, video or written content -- a book or CD, for example -- must be wrapped in plastic and include a sticker warning of profanity. 

Although Moscow argues it's trying to uphold traditional values with this ban, artists and journalists critical of the censorship feel the law is "ill-defined" and is too arbitrary. 

"It plays very well with the voters because the Russian electorate is very conservative," Luhn said.