Chechnya Implements Strict Tempo Restrictions on Music

The Russian republic of Chechnya has banned music with tempos considered too fast or slow, criminalizing many genres, in an effort to conform to the "Chechen mentality and sense of rhythm." The ban, ordered by Culture Minister Musa Dadayev and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, restricts musical works to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute. This move is part of Kadyrov's consistent quashing of dissent in the territory, which has faced human rights violations and threats to activists and journalists. The ban would effectively silence most modern music genres, including electronic styles like house and techno, while permitting hip-hop music.