Ruslan Isayev, North Caucasus - Ingush authorities recently unexpectedly imposed a ban on tapes and videos made by the well-known Chechen songwriter and singer Timur Mutsurayev.

All music and video sellers have been prohibited to sell or play the music of this singer. And anyone found ignoring the ban faces a fine of 300 rubles and their equipment confiscated.

Mutsurayev´s music is particularly popular with youngsters. It deals with patriotism, friendship, friends who died in the war, religion, and destroyed lives. It pulls at the heartstrings of everyone who has been affected by the war.

Interestingly enough, no one has prohibited the sale of these tapes in Chechnya - perhaps because Mutsurayev is very popular among Russian servicemen.

September 16th 2003 · Prague Watchdog / Ruslan Isayev