Sorok Sorokov, a powerful Orthodox nationalist group, said many Russians had not understood that times had changed and that the state should tighten its control over such performances to stem what it called a general decline in moral values.

“In recent years, comedians have often crossed red lines and made jokes about topics that are taboo in any normal society,” said Georgy Soldatov, director of the group’s human rights centre.

“Human rights center”