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Ingushetia Creates Commission To Defend Public Morality

MAGAS, Russia -- A permanent state commission has been established in the Russia republic of Ingushetia to monitor the media and close down any newspapers seen as violating "accepted moral norms," RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service reports.

The commission is headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Magomed-Salekh Aushev.

Aushev told the Russian daily "Kommersant" that the commission was set up in response to numerous complaints from the public and Muslim clergy about TV and radio broadcasts that violate religious or specifically Ingush values and ethics.

Oppositionists fear the commission will provide a pretext for shutting down opposition media and websites.