Russian govt. accused of culture control

MOSCOW, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Several prominent artists and writers in Russia are accusing their government of expanding its control in the realm of culture.

Citing recent censorship efforts by government officials and criminal charges laid against cultural nonconformists, noted individuals such as Russian author Viktor Yerofeyev have accused the government of taking control too far, The New York Times said Saturday.

"They're creating, quickly, a kind of Iran situation, a new-old civilization, an Orthodox civilization," Yerofeyev said. "The climate has totally changed. What was allowed the day before yesterday now is dangerous. They don't repress like the Soviets yet, but give them two years, they will find the way."

Russian culture has remained one of the few uncontrolled aspects of life in the country, as the government has gained a firm grasp on Russia's mass media, security services and oil industry.

The Times said the increase in government control also comes as other Russian citizens have grown particularly wary of the expanding scope of the church in Russia.