Russian MPs consider ban on media violence

Russian MPs are considering a proposed law that would tighten restrictions on showing violence on television, a measure that critics warned could make everything from boxing matches to news coverage of terrorist attacks illegal.

The lower house of parliament, the State Duma, unanimously passed a proposed bill in the first of three required readings that would forbid news programmes, documentaries, films and other serials from showing details of murders and other violence between 7am and 10pm.