Putin declares war... on bad language

MOSCOW, May 5 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law to ban swear words from movies, theater productions and concerts.

The law goes into effect on July 1 and will penalize offenders with fines that range from a maximum of $70 for individuals to $1,400 for organizations.

There was no further information regarding which specific swear words will be banned under the new law.

Culture Ministry spokesperson Irina Kaznacheeva insists "the law is not aggressive; its only aim is to regulate this sphere, so that swearing will have its purpose."

The new legislation follows an April 2013 law that banned swearing in media.