Chechnya passes bizarre new law that decries all songs played in the Russian republic must not be faster than 116 beats per minute over fears of 'polluting' Western techno

Chechnya has banned all songs that are faster than 116 beats per minute over fears of Western rave and techno music 'polluting' the Russian republic.

The Chechen government introduced the ban in a bid to promote more traditional  music and types of dancing, local media has reported.

Musa Dadaev, Chechnya's culture minister said: 'We must bring to the people and to the future of our children the cultural heritage of the Chechen people. This includes the entire spectrum of moral and ethical standards of life for Chechens.'

The new standard of music, that begins at 80 beats per minute, is much slower than a lot of modern day pop music.

According to the Moscow Times, the rules were brought in to make sure music conforms 'to the Chechen mentality'.

'Borrowing musical culture from other peoples is inadmissible,' Mr Dadaev reportedly added.

The decision was approved by Chechyna president Ramzan Kadyrov, however, popular Russian military song Victory Day will not fit with the new rules as it is 126 beats per minute.

It also will see most samba, trance and waltz music banned as well as the Russian national anthem that plays at 76 beats per minute.

Kadyrov is a loyal supporter of Vladimir Putin and has been outspoken in his support of the Ukraine war.

The authoritarian has overseen a crackdown on influence from western nations, banned homosexuality and decreased women's rights.

Just days ago it was revealed that Kadyrov was adding another 3,000 former Wagner mercenary fighters to his growing army.  

Kadyrov described the recruitment of a new 'regiment' as 'great news' in a post on his Telegram on Friday as he claimed the fighters will soon start 'accomplishing combat tasks'.

It was unclear from the messages whether the 'special forces' troops will be deployed in Ukraine or used for some other purpose. Kadyrov boasted they could have a 'significant impact'.

The 47-year-old strongman ruler of Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation, is loyal to Vladimir Putin but Kremlin insiders and research groups have suggested the relationship has come under strain since the war began.

In November, he claimed Wagner troops were now training with his special forces - and pledged to send 3,000 more soldiers to Ukraine.

Kadyrov, a devout Muslim, is the father of at least 14 children. 

He appears to have recovered from an illness last year that was widely seen as being a kidney problem.

Some reports suggested he had been poisoned.